Restricted Fire Season in Waitaki Urban District

Waitaki District Council’s Fire Authority would like to remind residents that a ‘Restricted Fire Season’ exists at present and also a reminder that the Waitaki District Council’s Urban Fire Prevention Bylaw came into effect on Wednesday 1 July 2009.

 

The Bylaw states:

· Open air fires may only be lit on residential properties in urban areas when there is a distance of 50 metres or more from the fire to the closest part of the boundary of the property.

· Open air fires may only be lit on non-residential properties in urban areas if the burning does not occur within 100 metres of any dwelling on any other property.

 

If conditions of the Urban Fire Prevention Bylaw are met residents still must obtain a fire permit from Waitaki District Council’s Fire Authority, to burn vegetation. Residents may be liable for the costs of putting a fire out, could jeopardise their insurance and could also be responsible for costs if fire encroaches on a neighbouring property.

 

Today is the 20th day without measurable rainfall in the Oamaru township and Council would like to remind the community of the risks associated with lighting fires when these conditions are present. Do not become complacent if your grass appears green as the Met Service are predicting Norwest winds, accompanied by very low humidity of less than 20%. El Nino is back in play which means Norwesterlies will be enhanced during the coming spring and summer seasons. Council are observing weather conditions daily. Residents can find weather information on: www.metservice.co.nz.

 

Details of fire seasons can be obtained by telephoning Council offices on (03) 4330300 or Waihemo Service Centre on (03) 4651106 or by telephoning our freephone number: 0800 108 081.