Fire restrictions in Stratford

Sufficient rain means Stratford no longer has a complete fire ban. Principal Rural Fire Officer Kieran Best says “although the risk of fire is still significant, we were able to lift the complete fire ban from Wednesday. This means that fires will be allowed as long as they have a permit, which is free and available through the council offices on Miranda Street.”


“However, I want to ensure people are still aware of the danger of fires spreading, Kieran says. “The grass might be green on top, but it’s still very brown underneath, and fires can spread through plant roots. One of the problems they had in Aotuhia was that plant roots continued to smoulder even when the surface had been extinguished, and the fires kept reigniting. It would be unacceptable to have a similar situation in Stratford.”


The Stratford District is also coping with partial water restrictions. Services Manager Mike Oien says “our current levels are only just satisfactory, thanks to people adhering to the ‘odds and evens’ system. However, a dry March would cause great difficulties for our water supply.”


Further information can be obtained by contacting the Stratford District Council on (06) 765 6099 during normal business hours.