Prohibited Fire Season

By Chris Valli

Marlborough is officially in a prohibited fire season.

The ban came into effect last Thursday February 9th and means a total ban on the lighting of any fires in open air.

Blenheim Rural Firefighters were down at the Farmers Market on Sunday morning engaging with the community, answering questions and discussing precautions about the ban.

Ryan Anderson from Blenheim’s Rural Fire Brigade says dry conditions on the Wither Hills and substantial growth from consecutive years of high rainfall is potentially dangerous for locals.

“It’s important to be risk aware,” he says.

“Especially up the Withers, as it’s definitely dry up there at the moment. If you are up there walking or riding, it does take a while to get down. Fire spreads rapidly uphill so it’s important to take precautions.”

“It’s about being aware. If you are living in areas near the Hills make sure your gutters are clear. Have a look over your back fence, see what it’s like. Could it be a fire danger for me or my neighbours? If something doesnt look right, contact Blenheim Rural Fire Brigade and we’ll get someone to come out and have a look.” Another area of concern in the region is up the Awatere Valley where it is ‘browning-off significantly’.

Ryan says Fire and Emergency and the Marlborough District Council will do consecutive risk assessments throughout the season and advise locals on a return to a restricted fire or open fire season when safe to do so.

If locals are keen to volunteer their time with Blenheim’s Rural Firefighters contact ryan.anderson@fireandemergency.nz