Heat Forecast 'Bleak'

If farmers with long memories can think back to the severity of the 1977 drought then be warned.

The current hot, dry and windy conditions are looking all too familiar and the Fire Indices are rising, says Tararua District Council’s principal rural fire officer Noel Mingins.

He is reinforcing the fact that Tararua has a restricted fire season.

Rain, whilst welcome, has been negated by strong winds and water resources for fire fighting are becoming increasingly scarce.

Dam levels are also dropping.

Mr Mingins warns that the potential for a fire to escape is now very high. The risk is exacerbated by wind gusts and people need to be aware of this, he says.

The districtwide Restricted and Prohibited Fire season has been in place since early December.

Permits are necessary for anyone wishing to light an open air fire and these can be acquired by contacting the council service centres during normal working hours.

Notice of 48 hours is required for a permit to be inspected and issued.

The public should also note that it is an offence to leave an open air fire unattended during the time that it is burning.