New Zealand fire restrictions: Northland ‘near extreme’ danger

A total fire ban has been called for for central Otago, and northern residents are being warned of near-extreme levels of fire danger.

Fire and Emergency NZ is urging Northlanders to contain the fires this weekend and early next weekend, as strong winds are expected to fan the flames.

The region is already in a restricted fire season, which means permits are required before people can start a fire, but this weekend the risk of fire is expected to increase and all permits have already been suspended. issued.

Chief Rural Fire Officer Myles Taylor said strong winds were expected to hit the region Sunday through Tuesday, increasing the fire danger.

“We have suspended all permits this weekend due to increased fire danger, and we ask everyone in Northland to please do not start any fires during this period of extreme danger,” Taylor said.

“High winds increase the likelihood of a wildfire spreading and make it difficult for firefighters to control a fire if it starts.

“Anyone who has recently started a fire should also check that the burning site is completely off so the wind doesn’t make it ignite. Dig them up, pour water over them, and check with the back of the hand for heat. Let’s all do our part to stop a devastating wildfire in Northland. “

All Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara districts went into a restricted fire season as of Monday, which means a permit may be required to start a fire and people will need to meet the listed conditions.

The limestone island in Whangārei harbor will be in a no-fire season, which means no outdoor fires are allowed on the island.

The private use of fireworks is also prohibited in the Karikari Peninsula and Ahipara Municipality, including the surrounding areas.

Dry conditions in Auckland, Central North Island, Canterbury

As of today, there are fire restrictions in the mainland Auckland area, and all outdoor fires are prohibited on the Hauraki Gulf Islands. On Wednesday, restrictions were imposed for the “Pumicelands” area of ​​Taupō, Rotorua and Tauranga.

On Wednesday, a ban on fireworks was announced for locations in Canterbury, following a major fire in Port Hills that threatened homes before being controlled Saturday.

That fire followed a series of vegetation fires in Port Hills earlier in the month, which Fire and Emergency NZ said started under suspicious circumstances.

A major fire ripped through the hills in 2017, causing millions of dollars in damage.

• Visit www.checkitsalright.nz for more tips on how you can reduce the risk of fire.

– With RNZ