Permits available as fire risk decreases

21 January 2015

A few days of rain has enabled Taupo District Council to allow permits to be issued for open fires in rural areas again.

Permits stopped being issued in December as hot, dry weather saw the fire risk soar. A permit is required for any open fire to be lit in a rural area during the current restricted fire season. This includes outdoor pizza ovens and braziers, charcoal barbecues and other open fires.

Rural fire manager Roger Nelson said although permits could now be applied for, the risk of fire was still moderate and people needed to take care.

With the current weather conditions, it still wouldn't take long for fires to get out of hand, he said. It's important to take special care with fires over the summer months, no matter the weather.

The pending arrival of the Chinese New Year during a hot summer has also prompted a warning of the risks of sky lanterns.

The lanterns are traditionally released into the sky as part of the celebrations in the first two weeks of February and can pose a fire hazard.

Mr Nelson warned releasing lanterns at any time of year was risky as they could easily lead to a fire.

We are asking for people to be responsible at this time, when fire risk is heightened, Mr Nelson said.