Dry conditions cause fire concern in Northland

Northland principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor. PHOTO/File

Officials are warning hot summer conditions are right for major fire damage in Northland and they are monitoring the situation daily.

There is a restricted fire season in place across the region meaning people wanting to have a fire must apply for a permit and, if one is issued, strict conditions must be met. But it could easily become a prohibited season where no fires are allowed.

Despite some rain last week, warm weather has dried out grass and undergrowth making ideal fire conditions, says Principal Rural Fire Officer Myles Taylor.

"Conditions are right for a big fire and we are being very cautious and monitoring the conditions daily," Mr Taylor said.

More rain predicted next week could extend the restricted season but extreme care was needed.

"There have been fires and break-outs all over the district and we are taking a cautious approach when it comes to issuing permits."

Power lines arching caused a small fire near Kaitaia earlier this week but, as there was not much wind, it had not spread quickly.

Mr Taylor stressed extreme caution when it came to fireworks at this time of the year with tinder dry conditions.

Anyone who knowingly or recklessly lit, or allowed another person to light a fire in an open area covered by the restriction without a Fire and Emergency NZ permit, or outside the conditions of a permit, committed an offence.

Over recent years fire authorities have begun taking a harder line on illegal fires, including charging the people responsible for the cost of fighting them. Any permits that are issued will be suspended in the event of a prohibited fire season being declared.

New rules now mean the Northland Regional Council now requires that a resource consent be obtained before anyone sets fire to rubbish or vegetation within the Kerikeri 'airshed' - the main built-up areas - less than 100m upwind, or 50m in any other direction, of a sensitive area, which usually means a house.

Barbecues, hangi, umu and bonfires organised by community groups are exempt.

The new rules came into force last September, putting Kerikeri in line with Whangarei, the only other area in Northland where backyard burning is restricted year-round.

Anyone who wants to light a fire can to go www.checkitsalright.nz, for information about obtaining a permit and current restrictions.