Get prepared for fire this summer

“Check with us before lighting any fires this summer,” is the message form Gisborne District Council principal fire officer, Ray Dever.

“It pays to check before planning to burn anything or laying a hangi as you may need a permit.”

Permits are required in the Gisborne urban and rural residential areas to light an open air fire and can be required in other rural areas depending on conditions.

Fire permits are free from Council and can take up to 3 working days to process.

“If you need a permit over the holidays make sure you get your application in by 17 December in time for processing.”

Open air fires are:

• campfires;

• cooking fires;

• braziers;

• hangi fires;

• Chinese lanterns;

• open top incinerators;

• controlled burns; and

• prescribed burns.

Barbecue’s and gas cookers are not considered open fires.

“Bonfires on beaches are completely prohibited except by special permit,”

“There are some rules to follow, like no burning after dark or in-organic material,” says Mr Dever, “with drier weather coming up, we want people to be safe.”

Council will be closing for the holiday break 5pm, Tuesday 22 December and re-opening 8am Tuesday 5 January 2016.

Apply for a permit online at www.gdc.govt.nz or call customer services on 06 867 2049.

ENDS

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