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Stratford risky

Monday 4 February 2008, 5:01PM

By Stratford District Council

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STRATFORD

The extremely hot, dry weather means Stratford is at extreme risk of uncontrolled fires.


Principal Rural Fire Officer Kieran Best said “the heat, together with drying winds means that there is an extreme risk of fire at the moment. That’s why we moved into a prohibited fire season on Monday 4 February at midnight. This means that all fire permits are suspended, and no fires of any kind are permitted. The only exceptions are gas fired barbeques. All other fires are prohibited.”


This move in Stratford is in conjunction with a prohibited fire season in South Taranaki and New Plymouth.


The prohibition is not soon enough for Aotuhia, 10km south east of Whangamomona, as firefighting crews work overtime to contain fires on several fronts.


Kieran Best said “the amount of damage an irresponsible person can cause is amazing. I urge everyone to be extremely cautious, and call 111 if they spot smoke.”