Hot dry weather takes its toll

Pursuant to Section 22(2) of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 the Kaipara District Council declared a Restricted Fire Season to be in force from midnight Wednesday January 29 until further notice.

The restriction will remain until weather conditions and fire danger indicators warrant its uplifting, and applies to all land in the Kaipara District.

Permits will only be issued where suitable fire protection measures can be provided. Consideration should be given as to whether the fire can be delayed until the fire danger reduces.

Permits will not be issued where the fire can be reasonably delayed or the task can be achieved without the use of fire.

All fires in the open air require permits with the exception of commercially constructed barbecues, incinerators (complying with NZS 5262, 5435 and 5442), cooking fires such as umu, hangi and spit fires, subject to the following conditions:

* They are supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

* A pressurised supply of water is at hand.

* The fire is extinguished as soon as the task is complete.

* A clear area of at least 10 metres is maintained around the fire.

* The fire is no larger than 2 x 2 metres.

A warranted fire officer can request that any barbecue, incinerator or other fire be extinguished if considered a danger.

All persons responsible for fires may be held liable for all costs associated with control of that fire – and holding a permit for a fire does not remove this liability.

■ To obtain a fire permit apply online at havingafire.org.nz or phone Forest Protection Services (09) 430 7707.