Media Release
Release date: 12 December 2012
Gisborne district drying out

Gisborne district and townships are steadily drying out, and the fire risk is rising accordingly.

Currently drought levels are elevated however no extreme risk situations have been recorded.

This is a normal situation for the Gisborne district at this time of the year, says principal rural fire officer Rene Londeman. “However, long range weather forecasts indicate that the coming months will be very dry.”

“New Zealand Fire Service, Gisborne District Council and Eastland Rural Fire District are working together and we ask the public to take extra care. Because of the festivals over the Christmas/New Year we are expecting up to 40,000 extra people for 6 days. It would be good to know that their Gisborne experience is a safe one.”

People can assist by making sure;

• If you have an empty section please create a fire break on the neighbouring boundaries: this could be as little as a 1 meter wide mowed grass strip.

• If you have maintained the vegetation on your side of the property boundary, it is unlikely that a fire will spread across your property.

• If you have any combustible materials around your property, this is the time to get rid of them.

• It is also a good time to check the drive way onto your property. If a fire appliance can’t get onto your property due to low overhanging tree branches, small narrow gate ways or other obstacles, fire fighting will be delayed. This can result in additional damage to your property and the fire appliances responding. Ideally fire appliances need driveways that are 4 metres wide and 4 metres high to be able to get through. It is the property owners or occupiers responsibility to keep driveways clear. A quick rule of thumb to ask yourself is "Can a stock truck get up my driveway?" If the answer is no then a fire appliance cannot either.

If a fire spreads from your property to a neighbouring property you are responsible. You will have to pay any fire fighting costs.

In some cases this has resulted in substantial costs to the land owner. The most recent incident cost the land owner more than $15.000.

If you live in a rural area, this is also a good time to check your insurance cover, as fires in rural areas normally result in higher costs, because helicopters are required. If you have any questions please contact any of the Fire Authorities for advice.

ENDS

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