24 November 2010
Rural fire restrictions begin in the Waipa district on December 1, when permits will be required for all controlled, open air fires on rural land.
The rural fire season runs from December 1 to March 31 every year. Permits are administered by Waipa District Council. There is currently no charge for permits, but charges may apply to cover costs such as travel and time for fires that require an inspection.
Waipa District Council’s emergency management officer Chuck Davis said Council is the district’s rural fire authority. If weather conditions become extremely dry, Mr Davis said Council can stop issuing permits altogether including revoking existing permits until weather conditions become less risky.
“The permit system is to ensure safe fires, however ultimately responsibility rests with the person who lights the fire. An escaped fire can be very expensive to extinguish, with fire fighters, fire appliances, tankers and occasionally even helicopters required.
“Costs to extinguish a rural fire need to be recovered from the landowner. An un-permitted fire that escapes will most likely not be covered by insurance companies,” Mr Davis said.
He said the regional council Environment Waikato also imposes restrictions on what can be burnt – regardless of whether you live in an urban or rural area. Burning tyres, treated timber and some plastics, for example, is prohibited.
He said Council’s customer support team helps residents apply for fire permits, including advising them on what can and can not be burnt.
People should apply for permits at least two days before they are required, and even earlier if they are required over the Christmas and New Year period as Council offices are closed from December 24 to January 5.
He also reminds residents that permits are required all year in the Waipa district for urban fires, with the exemption of braziers, barbeques and cooking fires. As with rural permits, as the weather becomes drier, issuing urban fire permits may also be suspended.
A number of rural settlements, including Pirongia and Ohaupo, are currently classed as urban, and he said people should phone the Council or check its website if they are unsure about what rules apply in the area they live, for more information about fire bylaws and to request a permit.
However, he added, just because a fire is exempt or has a permit, does not mean it can be allowed to cause a nuisance to other people.
“If you believe a fire is endangering life or property or is out of control call 111. If it is causing a nuisance call Council on 0800 924 723.”
For more information, please contact:
Jacqui Humm
Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760
Email: jacqui.humm@waipadc.govt.nz