Over the weekend Fire and Emergency responded to multiple vegetation fires in Auckland which had got out of control due
to the windy conditions.
Ron Devlin, Region Manager Te Hiku, urges Aucklanders to be vigilant, "If you’ve applied for a fire permit, then follow
the conditions outlined in that permit, before lighting an outdoor fire."
Auckland Mainland (Greater Auckland except Hauraki Gulf Islands) is currently in a Restricted Fire Season, which
requires a permit to light a fire in the open air. Permits are free and can be applied on www.firepermit.nz. The Hauraki Gulf Islands are in a Prohibited Fire Season, which means a total fire ban is in place. If they are unsure
of the Fire Season for their location, people should visit www.checkitsalright.nz.
"If it is hot and windy, don’t light the fire at all - leave it for another day. Hot and windy conditions increase the
risk of a lit fire getting out of control," Ron Devlin says.
He also asks people to make sure their driveways are at least 4 X 4 metres and free of debris and overgrown vegetation
to allow fires trucks through in an emergency.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for more safety advice for outdoor fires.