FENZ community risk manager Nigel Hall said there were some easy steps people could take to keep themselves and their community safe while burning waste.
“We know people want to get rid of the trees, wood and other cyclone waste that is currently littering so many properties after Cyclone Gabrielle but we want them to prepare and be safe.”
Preparing your burn pile: Check if you require a fire permit from Fire and Emergency NZ and ensure you can meet the conditions. Notify Fire and Emergency NZ when you are going to burn using the normal notification process available at tinyurl.com/bdfjpdte If you don’t have internet, you can phone Central Comms (04-801-0812). Ensure material to be burnt is at least 10 metres away from other combustible material. Create a non-combustible fire break, a minimum of 5m around each pile. Keep piles away from under or near power lines (smoke can arc lines) and waterways. Ensure you have an adequate water supply and means to apply water to prevent your fire from spreading.
Safety on the day of lighting: Check the weather forecast before lighting a fire. Ensure winds will not exceed 20km an hour for 48 hours after lighting. Light the pile as early in the day as possible, preferably before 10am. Do not light more than you can manage or fully extinguish. Ensure you are equipped with suitable means to contain and extinguish the fire (eg, water hose, water sprayer, shovel and dirt to smother, mechanical digger etc).
Post fire safety: The fire must be monitored and controlled for the duration of the burn until it is completely out to ensure it does not spread beyond the burn site. Once the fire is completed, cool with plenty of water.
Continue monitoring the fire in the days following, especially when strong winds are forecast. Depending on the material being burnt, piles can remain hot for months after.
If your burn looks like it is going to get out of control, call 111. For further advice visit www.fireandemergency.nz/cyclone
