Restricted fire season begins

1 October 2015

Two fires in three days in the lead up to the start of the restricted fire season, which starts today, have prompted fresh warnings to take care with fire.

The two fires happened last week at Broadlands Road and in Turangi. The Broadlands Road fire covered over six hectares and started at 3pm on Friday. It took 11 volunteers from the rural fire team seven hours to extinguish with assistance from a group of urban firefighters. The cause of the fire is being investigated, but was not suspicious.

In Turangi, a fire broke out in a forestry block on Sunday afternoon. It was outside of the Taupo rural fire area and was dealt with by another volunteer crew.

Rural fire manager Roger Nelson said the Broadlands Road and Turangi fires were a timely warning that fires could get out of hand easily, even though it may have seemed fairly wet over the last few weeks. With summer approaching, the district is likely to have long fine spells that cause the landscape to dry out, he said. These dry conditions can cause open fires to quickly escalate and get out of control, he said.

The restricted fire season across the Pumicelands Enlarged Rural Fire District requires anyone lighting an open fire in a rural area of the Taupo District to get a fire permit.

Fire permits can be applied for by Taupo District Council and are used to monitor all rural fires in the district. By telling us when you're having a fire, we can help ensure it does not become a hazard, Mr Nelson said. This includes things like pizza ovens and braziers, which are becoming more and more popular outdoors.

Fire permits must be applied for at least 48 hours prior to the fire. Application forms are available from council offices on Lake Terrace, in Turangi and Mangakino or by contacting the council on 07 376 0899.

All applicants must sign the permit before it is issued. The restricted fire season is expected to continue through summer until at least April 30. This may be extended if conditions remain dry.

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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