Fire Restrictions Still in Place

Recent rain has not put enough of a dampener on the rural fire restrictions.


Rural Fire Officer Lester Barnes says the fire restrictions for rural areas in New Plymouth District are still in place.

“While the recent rains have reduced the fire risk, they have not reduced it sufficiently to warrant the removal of the fire restrictions,” he says.

“The effect of the rain has been to reduce the risk of fire among dry vegetation, but a few days of dry weather – which is coming our way very soon – will allow the risk to rise to its previous levels.

“There is however still a high risk of subsoil fires through the burning of tree stumps and roots, and this type of fire is the most difficult to extinguish. A significant amount of rain is required to reduce this risk.

“So if you live in a rural area, you will need to contact New Plymouth District Council to apply for a fire permit at least two days before you intend to light the fire.”

While there is no fire restriction in urban areas yet, Mr Barnes says care is still needed.

“A small fire can get out of control quite quickly, so make sure the fire is always attended and that you have a good water source at hand – and if you don’t need a fire, please don’t light it,” he says.