Kaitaia fire gets upgrade

An upgraded fire appliance for Kaitaia and new fire risk warning signs across the district are the latest moves in the campaign to strengthen the rural fire fighting capability in the Far North.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Lance Johnston said today a purpose-designed rural fire truck imported from Australia had been delivered to the Kaitaia Rural Fire Party this week, replacing an outdated urban appliance surplus to NZ Fire Services requirements.

"This is part of an ongoing programme to modernize and improve the equipment held by our Rural Fire Parties and to increase public awareness of the fire risk particularly during prolonged dry periods," he said.

The new fire truck had a 3500 litre water capacity and a four-wheel-drive off road ability lacking in the vehicle which it was replacing.

"This week we have also completed the installation of new fire weather severity signs at seven new main road locations across the district- at Towai, Moerewa, Russell, west of Kaikohe, Inland Road (Karikari), the Kaimaumau Peninsula and Horeke," he said.

The fire risk indicator signs were an important tool in the campaign to increase public awareness of the need to guard against fires in the rural environment.

"Fortunately the Far North to date has had rain at regular intervals this summer and we have been able to avoid fire restrictions. But if the current dry spell continues, it is anticipated a restricted fire season will be imposed within the next two weeks.

"However a permanent restriction applies all-year-round within the Department of Conservation estate and within one kilometer of conservation land and a fire permit is required at all times. If in doubt, the best policy is to contact your local council or conservancy office before lighting a fire.

"With or without restrictions, it is still extremely important that people adopt a responsible approach to lighting fires or do anything which could result in an accidental fire. A fire which breaks out of control has the potential to cause thousands of dollars in damage and put lives and property at risk," he said.

Mr Johnston said it was also likely that those responsible would face substantial reparation bills to offset fire-fighting costs.