Open fire season

29 April 2016

A permit will no longer be needed to light open fires in rural areas from Sunday as the Taupo District moves out of a restricted fire season.

The restricted fire season began in October and finishes tomorrow following cooler temperatures and sufficient rain. Rural fire manager Roger Nelson said people would still be encouraged to take care when lighting fires and use common sense.

Mr Nelson said the 2015/16 summer had been busy for rural fire volunteers, with 35 call-outs up from 18 the previous year. Collectively volunteers spent 237 hours responding to fires this season. The community was really vigilant this year with reporting suspected fires to us, which was much appreciated, he said.

This season 373 permits were issued, compared to 203 the previous year. The area covered this year was slightly larger as it was the first fire season with the new Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority zoning.

Mr Nelson said it was great to note the high number of permits were applied for during the restricted season as it meant people were mindful of the rules. Permits allow us to monitor fires so when someone calls in about smoke, we are more informed and have a better idea of how to respond to the call," he said.

END

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz