FENZ - Wildfires

Check it’s alright before you light

Almost all wildfires are preventable, but every year out-of-control vegetation fires cause widespread damage. Climate change is likely to increase the likelihood of wildfires unless people take greater care.

Some 99 percent of wildfires are started by people, whether its burn offs, rubbish fires getting out of control, or people using machinery causing sparks in paddocks. You should always check whether you are allowed to light an outdoor fire first. If you are, then you should also check the weather. If it’s windy don’t light your fire.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand have developed a simple online tool that tells you whether you can light your fire, or do your outdoor work safely. The three-step tool lets you know what the fire risk is and what you should do to stay safe.

Simply select your activity, type in your address and specify when you will be doing it. You will then receive your personalised results including; forecasted weather, fire dangers index, fire season status and advice on how to reduce your risk. To use the tool, go to: www.checkitsalright.nz/can-i-light-a-fire.

People can have BBQs and hangi at any time, but you should still be careful. Leave plenty of space around the BBQ and don’t drink and fry. Avoid leaving cooking unattended and check your gas cylinder regularly.

Fire seasons

Fire seasons let people know about any requirements or restrictions on lighting open air fires. This is to protect communities from the consequences of unwanted fire. We have an open season, a restricted season when you need a permit to light an open-air fire and a prohibited season when no fires except barbeques and hangi are allowed. During Summer, when hot and dry conditions make lighting fires riskier, the season is usually restricted or prohibited, but caution is also needed during winter. On a windy day, it is far easier for a fire to get out of control, so even if it is colder weather you should check the wind forecast before lighting a fire. If it is going to be windy, don’t light your fire.

For more information on how to be safe with fire this winter and to protect your community from unwanted fire, go to: www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk.