Fire concerns re-ignited

Posted by on 16 August 2005 | 0 Comments

UNATTENDED fires throughout the Manawatu District are continuing to concern Principal Rural Fire Officer, Trevor Auld, with several cases in recent weeks re-igniting the issue.

Mr Auld said the problem rested with only a few people and they needed to be aware that if they started a fire they must stay with it until it was completely extinguished.

“There have been several cases lately where passers-by have seen unattended fires and called them into the Fire Communications Centre in Wellington,” said Mr Auld, “only for the fires to be just rubbish burn-offs that posed no threat to property and people. But it has meant a needless callout for the volunteer firemen.”

He said a fire near Himatangi Beach, which had the potential to spread into a pine plantation and cause major damage, had been deliberately lit and was only extinguished through sterling work by crews from the Himatangi Beach, Foxton Beach and Foxton Volunteer Fire Brigades.

“Should the culprits who lit this fire be caught, they could face severe penalties, and I urge all communities to keep a vigilant eye on any suspicious activities along these lines.”

Mr Auld said even though the fire-burning season had now arrived, permits were still required by people wanting to burn rubbish in urban areas and within three kilometres of the coastal zone between Himatangi Beach and Tangimoana. Urban residents also need a permit to burn material in incinerators.

“A long, hot, dry summer has been forecast and I urge people to burn now while the going is good, because if we get into a prohibited season, then no fires will be allowed.”

Source: Manawatu District Council.

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