Fires can spread quickly as spring weather warms

An aerial view of Monday's fire at Te Kao, a timely reminder regarding how quickly flames can spread. Photo / Northern Rural Fire Authority

A fire that engulfed 50m of scrub and young pine trees at Te Kao on Monday provided a timely reminder of how quickly fire can get out of hand, even at this time of the year, according to Northern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Clinton Lyall.

The fire started when a bee keeper dropped his smoker, and spread through pine slash before crews from Pukenui, Kaitaia and Summit Forestry brought it under control. Two helicopters were also deployed.

Mr Lyall said the fire was quickly contained and dampened down, but a thermal imaging camera was used on Tuesday to determine if there were any remaining hot spots.

"Although this fire was purely an accident, it is a timely reminder that after a relatively wet winter the land dries up quickly, and that a fire in these mild conditions can spread out of control extremely quickly," he said.

"It is also a reminder to bee keepers around the district of the precautions they must take when working around their hives, as most are located around very flammable fuel types, such as manuka.

Te Kao was within Zone 1, where fire permits were required year-round. Information could be found at www.northerrfa.org.nz, including a link to the permit website www.havingafire.org.nz. Alternatively, phone the authority on (09) 401-0723 during normal office hours.

Even where permits were not currently required people were encouraged to consider proximity to buildings, boundaries and trees, wind speed and direction, and neighbours, before striking a match.

"Fire restrictions will be driven by weather conditions, but we will take into account people's common sense with fires," Mr Lyall said.

"Last year good fire sense from the public in general was the reason for our not imposing a total fire ban in Zone 2, and we applaud the public for that. Some people tended to lose their way towards the end of the season, but we put that down to complacency sneaking in.

"We are grateful to the volunteers from the community-manned Rural Fire forces and the NZ Fire Service for their good work last season. We hope for a safe season ahead, and ask that the community also acknowledge their good work by 'Checking it's alright before you light.' Let's not over-stretch this resource by being careless."