Summer wildfire prevention takes priority

UNDERSTANDING FIRE RISK CONDITIONS WILL NOW BE CLEARER and simpler, thanks to a new online tool launched by the Minister in charge of Fire and Emergency, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti.

The new mobile-friendly tool on Fire and Emergency’s checkitsalright.nz website makes it easier for people to understand fire danger conditions across the country and helps make informed decisions about lighting outdoor fires this summer.

“Climate change means that fires present a growing threat to communities here and overseas. As we enter a hot, dry summer, it is important people understand the risks and act accordingly,” says Mr Tinetti.

“This year, the wildfire season has started earlier. We’ve already had two significant fires, with 3500 hectares devastated at Aoraki/Mt Cook; and 5000 hectares with 48 buildings, melted water tanks, and destroyed power and water systems at Lake Ōhau.

“In New Zealand, 99% of wildfires are started by people – it only takes a spark. Our actions make all the difference, especially when the fire danger is heightened over summer,” he says.

““No-one wants their property destroyed or their life disrupted by fire, but many of us don’t realise just how risky some common activities are,” he adds.

“New Zealanders can check local fire danger and fire season status, and get clear guidance on whether they need a permit to light a fire or not.”

Further to these efforts, an outdoor instructor, a forester, a beekeeper and a paramedic were among 28 new recruits who graduated as firefighters recently at Fire and Emergency’s National Training Centre in Rotorua.

During the ceremony the group demonstrated a number of firefighting scenario exercises for their family and friends, displaying the skills they have learnt.

The current group of graduates represents an increasingly diverse range of people who want to become career firefighters. They range in age from 18 to 45 years and include six Maori, and four people from countries other than New Zealand.

Deployed around the country, the recruits can now put away their green trainee helmets and take their new yellow operational helmets to their fire stations – ready to put their new skills to use in the community.

NZL