Restricted fire season ends
30 March 2015
Fire restrictions in rural areas end tomorrow (31 March).
This means open air fires in rural areas will no longer require a permit. From 1 December through to 31 March, restrictions are in place in rural areas to avoid fires getting out of control during the hot, dry weather.
Waipa District Council's Rural Fire Officer, Chuck Davis was pleased with how people dealt with the restrictions this summer.
We appreciated that most people took the time to apply for a permit or chose not to light a fire during the season. We issued 389 permits this season; it really makes a difference when people follow the rules, especially since we had some hot, dry spells early on in the summer.
In previous years the restrictions have extended beyond 31 March but with recent rain, the fire risk in rural areas has reduced.
Mr Davis was thankful for the community's cooperation during the restrictions and was happy the fire safety message has been getting through.
The Permanent Rural Fire Restriction still continues in the Moanatuatua swamp and Lake Maratoto areas as well as some rural communities. These areas include Pirongia, Ohaupo, Rukuhia, Ngahinapouri, Te Pahu, Tokanui, Peacockes/Lowe Roads area, St Leger Road and Karapiro.
Fires in urban areas are restricted and require permits all year round.
For more information on fire restrictions in Waipa visit www.waipadc.govt.nz
Ends
For more information please contact Stephanie Slattery on 027 807 3478