Taranaki moves to restricted fire season

Just days after an uncontrolled burn went ‘‘crazy’’ north of New

Plymouth, Taranaki has moved to a restricted fire season.

This means anyone wanting to light an open-air fire ‘‘needs to have a permit’’, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Taranaki community risk manager Rachel Utumapu said.

‘‘We all have to do our bit in ensuring everybody’s safe.’’

The fire season changed at 8am on Friday.

‘‘We didn’t go into restricted last year, we had a far wetter summer,’’ Utumapu said. ‘‘We are having an awfully warm, dry summer this year, but with that brings other challenges.’’

She said uncontrolled fires weren’t only a risk to the public and properties, but firefighters as well.

‘‘We want to make sure they enjoy their summer, too.’’

She said the changes were decided by weather forecasts, and it was already looking like Taranaki may move into prohibited soon – which means no fires are allowed to be lit.

Utumapu said everyone should be looking to do their bit and clearing out long grass, and debris out of gutters, could make a difference.

‘‘Fires start so easy, all they need is a spark to start, like a spark from a lawn mower.’’

To apply for a permit, visit www. checkitsalright.nz, and someone will come out and assess where you’re planning to light the fire.