People in rural areas ignoring fire ban

In the first week of the Coromandel Peninsula's total fire ban rural residents were still burning rubbish and putting parts of the peninsula at risk.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Del Read says "these people need to be reminded we are heading into a potentially dry fire season with no likelihood of any substantial rain in the near future."

"Vegetation and ground surface fuels dry out very quickly in these conditions and fires can spread at alarming rates," he said.

In the past, huge areas of precious flora and fauna have been lost to carelessly started fires, including one fire started by teenagers playing with fireworks near a forest.

In the last two weeks, fire officers have also had parents trying to persuade them to let their children or families light fires on beaches, but Mr. Read says the answer is simple and consistent.

"No fire permits are being issued during the total fire ban."