Council warns of fire costs
2 December 2014Waipa District Council is reminding residents that they can be held personally responsible for any costs incurred in fighting runaway rural fires.
Rural fire restrictions are now in place in the district and will remain until the end of March next year.
It means anyone lighting a fire in rural areas must get a permit from the council.
Rural fire officer Chuck Davis said any person lighting a fire or allowing a fire to remain alight in any part of the district was obliged to keep it under control.
"People living in rural areas should be aware that an escaped rural fire can be very expensive and costs will recovered from the person who lit the fire," he said.
"Many people who move from urban areas to the country do not realise their responsibility until they are hit with a huge fire-fighting bill."
In 2009 a Nelson couple accrued $1.2 million in fire service costs after a fire from their property destroyed a neighbouring forest and home. Fighting even relatively small fires can cost between $5000 and $10,000.
"Those costs get much higher when helicopters, bulldozers and crews for are required for days."
Open air fires in the urban areas of Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Cambridge and Leamington are restricted all year round, meaning that all fires in the open air require a permit. Most rural settlements including Pirongia, Ohaupo, Karapiro, Tokanui, Ngahinapouri, Te Pahu, Peacocks Rd and Te Mawhai are also permanently restricted.
Mr Davis said people lighting fires should be conscious of smoke and should ensure all fires are completely extinguished.
Media enquiries to Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of Council) 027 5077 599