Fire Ban Continues in New Plymouth District

A total fire ban continues in both rural and urban areas of New Plymouth District.

Rural Fire Officer Lester Barnes says while recent rain has dampened the soil surface, the district’s drought code is still extreme.

“The drought code measures the moisture deficit in the soil and that is still extreme throughout the district – despite the recent rain,” he says.

“We have a lot of dry standing grass, and if a fire took hold it could get into sub-surface tree roots and be very difficult to extinguish. So the fire prohibition is still in place.”

More rain is forecast tonight (Wednesday) and Saturday, and New Plymouth District Council is reviewing the situation daily. However, an extended dry period is expected in February and March.

The fire prohibition means all open-air fires – including coal barbecues, hangi and braziers – are banned, with only gas-fired barbecues allowed outdoors.