Fire starter sees $20,000 of own cash go up in smoke

Northern principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor

Fire restrictions have been further ramped up in the Far North where the steepest bill facing a fire starter so far this summer is around $20,000.

Despite recent rain a total fire ban was declared across the Far North on Sunday.
Northern principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor said the drizzle of recent days would have only a short-lived effect.

"It will only take a little wind and sun for the fire danger to go up again. It has increased quite dramatically in some areas so we're taking a cautious approach," he said.

Although no fire permits were being issued in the restricted fire season prior to Sunday, fire bosses still had the option of restarting permits if conditions changed.

The total fire ban means no permits will be issued, except for hangi or cultural fires for "very special events" at the fire authority's discretion, until the ban is lifted.

Gas barbecues are the only type of outdoor fire allowed. The ban includes braziers, charcoal barbecues, fireworks and fire lanterns.

Mr Taylor said he had seen a marked change this summer as Northlanders started to understand the danger of fire.

"People have been really conscientious and well-behaved. We're thrilled that the message is getting through."

However, he warned that the fire authority would still send a fire crew and a helicopter to the first sign of smoke anywhere in the district, then send the bill to the person responsible.

Bills were being sent out weekly and ranged from a few hundred dollars to many thousands. The biggest bill sent out so far this summer was about $20,000, he said.