Lifting of Total Fire Ban in Marlborough South Area

Under Section 22 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977, the Total Fire Ban in the Marlborough District Council area south of the Wairau River including the area south of the Diversion has been lifted and replaced with a Restricted Fire Season.

This notice is effective from 8.00 am on Wednesday 19 May 2010.

The Restricted Fire Season means that fire permits are required for all Fires in Open Air, except for the following:

• Gas fire barbecues provided they are positioned at least 2 metres from any dry materials which could catch on fire.
• Approved incinerators incorporating a chimney and / or spark arrestor to stop sparks from escaping from the incinerator.
• However this does not diminish the responsibility or potential liability for those who light fires. This means that you can still be held liable for the costs to extinguish a fire if you were responsible for lighting a fire that escapes or endangers neighbouring properties.

To apply for a fire permit please phone Customer Services at the Marlborough District Council Ph: 520 7400.

The burning of plastic, tyres, treated wood, oil based products, green/wet vegetation, hazardous substances or their containers and foam products is prohibited.

ROSS HAMILTON
PRINCIPAL RURAL FIRE OFFICER