Editorial: Heed fire ban to keep region safe

A total fire ban in the Central Hawke's Bay region has come after a spate of scrub fires in recent weeks.

I'm getting used to rolling past parched fields on my bicycle.

As summer approaches, I watch the lush green hills fade to a golden brown.

This year is no different with paddocks looking tinder dry.

And the dry conditions look set to stay for a while longer.

Because of this, a total fire ban in Central Hawke's Bay to the top of the East Cape was announced last week.

It comes after a spate of scrub fires in recent weeks.

I happened to come across a scrub fire near the Taradale exit of the expressway and within minutes it seemed to double in size.

Fortunately, fire crews were quick to the scene and stopped it spreading to nearby houses.

We need to take heed of the fire ban to keep ourselves and our properties safe.

Fires in the open air are prohibited unless authorised by the principal rural fire officer.

The ban also includes incinerators, traditional cooking fires (such as hangi, umu, braai), solid fuel barbecues, brazier, pizza ovens, campfires and fireworks. All fire permits previously issued are suspended.

The more long, hot days we have increases the likelihood of a drought.

According to a local climate scientist, soil moisture continues to drop. With just one or two wet days in December, rainfall was well below the average. And we still have the rest of January and February to come.

Farmers are resilient and well accustomed to dry summers but I'm sure that it's not easy to manage.

So if you are fortunate to be reading this from an idyllic camping spot, leave the camp fire to next summer.