Restricted fire season begins

A restricted fire season will apply from midnight Friday 5 February 2016 within the Rural Fire Areas controlled by the Palmerston North City Council and all Department of Conservation land that borders this authority.

Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer, Graeme McIntyre said the risk of fire is growing as the temperatures get higher.

Permits will now be required for all fires in the open air except for:
· barbecues lit in properly constructed containers and fuelled with gas or liquid fuel

cooking fires lit within approved concrete or stone surrounds and with not less than 3 meters of ground surrounding the container cleared of all combustible material
No fires should be lit:
· when high or gusty winds are prevailing

if the smoke is going to cause a nuisance to persons or surrounding property
if the person lighting the fire cannot remain in attendance until the fire is fully extinguished

Mr McIntyre said the restriction means permits are also required for the use of braziers and chimineas. “The restriction will remain in place until further notice.”

All enquiries and permit requests should be made to Palmerston North City Council by calling 356 8199.

Permits will only be issued during normal office hours after allowing sufficient time for any investigation and/or inspection to be made by a Rural Fire Officer.

For all emergencies call 111 and give your name and address, telephone number and rural number if applicable.

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