Open fire season for Taupo District 2014

30 April 2014

Fire restrictions have been lifted across the Taupō District meaning a permit is no longer needed for an open fire in a rural area.

The restricted fire season began in October after extended periods of dry weather.

Council's Principal Rural Fire Officer, Phil Parker, says there has now been enough rain to revert back to an open season. "Grass, bush and forestry are now a lot less susceptible to fire," he says. "We still encourage people to take care with fires, think carefully and be responsible."

Mr Parker said anyone intending to light a fire should ensure the material was dry, that smoke did not cause a fire hazard and that Waikato Regional Council's clean air requirements were met.

"We are fortunate that it was a relatively quiet fire season and it was great to see people acting responsibly when it came to lighting fires," he said.

"We hope that continues now that restrictions are no longer in place."

Mr Parker also wanted to thank the volunteer fire-fighters who dedicated hours of service to extinguishing the fires that did occur, and helping to keep the community safe this season.