Fire curbs set as Far North dries out

A blaze lit during last summer's fire ban came within metres of destroying this home at Waima.

Fire restrictions will come into force across the Far North from Monday as the risk of wildfires continues to mount.

From noon on December 8 a permit will be needed to light outdoor fires anywhere in the rural Far North.

The exceptions will be gas barbecues, hangi, cultural cooking fires, wood-fired barbecues and braziers - if they are used in areas clear of vegetation and buildings when the wind is less than 5km/h. An adult and an adequate water supply must also be present at all times.

Principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor said the fire danger had been steadily increasing despite occasional rain.

"We're getting a lot of fuel growth. It only takes a little wind, which we've been getting plenty of, and a few dry days and suddenly we're into the danger zone. We want people to have the ability to light fires, but not let things get away on them."

He warned of the risk of fines and a hefty bill for firefighting costs. "A small rubbish fire can quickly develop into a major blaze that covers hundreds of hectares and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to suppress. Our simple message is, 'If you can't control it, don't light it'."

Fire callouts in the Far North last weekend were sparked by burn-offs getting out of control. In Wharau Rd, Kerikeri, on Sunday a fire had burnt a quarter hectare of bush and scrub before being put out.

Mr Taylor said it was "the same old story" of people being caught out by the wind.

Restrictions are already in place on the fire-prone Aupouri and Karikari Peninsulas and coastal areas near Kaitaia, where permits are needed year round. Last year fire restrictions were imposed on the rest of the Far North in October.

* Permit forms can be obtained from www.havingafire.org.nz or from Summit NZ, Aupouri Forest headquarters, DoC's Kaitaia and Bay of Islands offices or Far North District Council service centres (phone 0800 920 029 or (09) 401 5200) during office hours. Allow up to 72 hours for an inspection.