Spate of fires sees fireworks ban
Christchurch Port Hills communities plagued by 10 suspicious fires in 10 days
Fire chiefs hope a fireworks ban and restricted fire season will help douse a spate of fires on Christchurch’s Port Hills. Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) said the fireworks ban, covering the “high risk” Port Hills, Akaroa and Bottle Lake areas, would begin at 6pm yesterday after 10 suspicious fires in the past 10 days.
Though Fenz is working with police, they have no concerns a firebug is on the loose.
A major blaze on the hills on Friday that saw 40 houses evacuated was caused by late-night fireworks, Fenz confirmed yesterday.
The Canterbury district moved into a restricted fire season from 11.59pm last night.
There were four suspicious fires on Summit Rd and Governors Bay Rd in the early hours of December 9 and on Tuesday 16 houses were evacuated on Clifton Hill after a blaze sparked off about 11.30am.
The fire spread over at least four hectares before four helicopters and eight fire appliances, plus tankers, got it under control.
Area Commander Dave Stackhouse said Tuesday’s Clifton fire was started by a spark from a grinding tool during building work.
There were two more fires on Tuesday night, that fire chiefs also believe were deliberately lit.
With the spate of fires, and the conditions drying out in the warm temperatures, Stackhouse is banning the use of fireworks under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act.
Anyone caught in wilful breach of the Act could receive two years in prison or face a fine of up to $300,000.