Near misses prompt fire warning

A number of near misses have the Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority asking residents to keep their wits about them when lighting fires.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Alan Pearce says they have attended nine fires since January 5 – a low number but still cause for concern as the dry, hot weather continues.


Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority have been called to nine fire since January 5.

'There have been several fires reported in the district causing excessive smoke, and alarmingly, on some occasions the fires were left unattended,” says Alan.

Some of the fires probably appeared to be extinguished, but had re-ignited once people had left.

'It's critical that burning fires are attended at all times and extinguished before they are left unattended,” he adds.

A ban remains in place on all new permits to burn, and Alan believes this will reduce the number of uncontrolled fires.

A total fire ban for the region is still not being ruled out.

'The amounts of rain in the last two weeks has been just enough to prevent the imposition of a total fire ban, however substantial rain is required to remedy the situation,” says Alan.

'We are still very concerned with the current dry and windy conditions.”

The authority is monitoring the fire danger on a daily basis and will impose a total prohibition on all open air fires if the current weather trend continues.

Alan wishes to express his appreciation for the majority of permit holders, who have conducted their burning operations safely, and to the public for their cooperation.

The fire authority is happy to discuss matters further, and offers advice relating to rural burning practices.

To contact the fire authority, call: 07 571 8008. To keep updated on fire permit conditions, and for more information, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz

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