Steady rain puts restricted fire season on hold

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Welcome rain has resulted in Fire and Emergency NZ delaying a change from an open fire season for possibly a fortnight.

FENZ has been monitoring the weather indices and all indicators pointed to a likely change to a restricted fire season as soon as this week.

But steady rain overnight Monday and into yesterday changed that scenario.

“This latest rain will delay the introduction of fire restrictions,” FENZ community risk manager Trudi Hicklin said.

“It may delay a change possibly by up to a couple of weeks.

“It’s definitely welcome rain.”

FENZ predicts a “long, dry few months ahead”.

“Since we split the Tairāwhiti district into two fire zones (north and south), and based off the triggers for fire season changes, the first zone to likely move into a restricted season will be Tairāwhiti South (south of Mata Road).

“However, the Tairāwhiti North zone (north of Mata Road) is likely to closely follow once things dry out again.”

Mrs Hicklin said for those landowners, farmers and foresters who still needed to burn piles of woody debris, FENZ would work with them to ensure any burning could take place safely.

“Once we move into a restricted season you will need to apply for a permit using www.checkitsalright.nz

“These will need to be applied for early as there can be up to a 10-working-days turnaround, especially if a site visit is required.”