Holiday fire safety messaging
Lithium-ion batteries are used in a lot of presents people will be receiving this Christmas, including e-scooters, e-bikes, toys, tools, and phones.
Fire and Emergency are seeing an increase in the number of fires caused from charging devices with these types of batteries
It’s important to take care when using these batteries as they are a fire risk when not stored, charged, used, or disposed of correctly. Always use the correct battery and charger for your device – check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure they’re compatible. Make sure you charge batteries and devices on a hard, flat surface not under a pillow, on a bed or couch - they can overheat and cause a fire. If you notice anything unusual with your battery, stop using it straight away. Always ensure cords for Christmas lights are in good condition and aren’t frayed. Do not to put them under carpets or mats, as it can lead to damage and overheating.
Candles for many are a Christmas tradition but people must be mindful of the risks they pose.
Always place candles and oil lamps firmly in a holder and on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Keep them away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains and clothing, and out of reach of children.
Before going to bed or leaving the room, make sure all candles and oil lamps are put out.
Wildfire messaging
While conditions may be looking green and low fire danger around the country, low risk doesn’t mean no risk, you should always check the conditions before having a fire or undertaking an activity which can cause heat or sparks. Ninety-eight per cent of wildfires which occur in New Zealand are human caused, so it’s important we take care when using fire or doing anything that can creates heat and sparks.
We encourage the public to be careful with the use of fire, heat sources or any activities which can cause a spark that may start a wildfire. Even the simple act of mowing the lawn if dry and windy, the mover hitting a stone can be enough to start a wildfire. The time when generally the fire risk is greatest is when it is windy and hot, consider whether you should be lighting a fire or doing activities that create heat and sparks.
Before lighting a fire or undertaking an activity which could create heat or sparks, please always check first www.checkitsalright. nz
Fire and Emergency has been working closely with partners such as the MetService to develop ways for making the fire danger information more accessible. On the MetService website and App you can check the current fire danger level and fire season for wherever you are in Aotearoa. In additional to rules Fire and Emergency NZ has for burning, landowners and councils may also have rules for using fire on the areas they own or administer, please make sure to follow these rules as well.
As you are travelling around the country this holiday season please consider the location fire risk conditions by going to www.checkitsalright.nz, noting this risk and the requirements to avoid a wildfire can vary from where you live so don’t assume they will be the same.
Help our fire firefighters have an enjoyable holiday period this season take the two minutes to check the fire risk conditions www.checkitsalright.nz before having a fire or undertaking an activity which can produce heat or sparks.
We don’t want to stop you having fun this holiday season but important you consider the fire risk conditions where you are, simple acts of have a bonfire, riding a motorbike or driving a vehicle through long grass can start a wildfire.
If you do require a fire permit before having a fire, make sure to get one, and follow the conditions contained on the permit. Fireworks in some areas of the country are prohibited, this is because of the risk they pose in starting a wildfire which no one wants, you can easy check the rules around fireworks by going to www.checkitsalright.nz A reminder to farmers appreciating this is a busy time of year on the farm, if hay making, please do not rush the drying period between cutting and baling as this is critical in getting good feed but also reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion which can lead to loss of precious winter feed. For advice and guidance please follow the Farm Safety Fire Risk and hay guide on the Fire and Emergency website.
If you are planning to burn some waste this holiday season, please following the advice contain in our new how to ‘pile burn safely video’ which can be found on www.checkitsalright.nz
If you haven’t already prepared your property for the wildfire season, this maybe you last chance because when there is smoke in the air it’s too late to prepare: Keep grass short and green around buildings and structures Prune large trees
Remove vegetation from gutters and around wooden decks Remove highly flammable plants close to the house or other buildings
Remove stacks of firewood from against buildings
Dispose of dead sticks and leaves Make sure your rural address number is visible
Ensure accessways are wide enough and clear of overhead branches so increase of needing a fire truck we can access your property.
Check water supplies for firefighting they have water in them and can be easily accessed.