Wednesday, 04 May 2022 14:55

Fires causing problems for Waikato firefighters

Written by  Staff Reporters
Waikato property owners are being urged to avoid lighting fires if there is a chance they will get out of control. Waikato property owners are being urged to avoid lighting fires if there is a chance they will get out of control.

Fire and Emergency are encouraging Waikato property owners not to light fires if there is a chance they will get out of control.

Waikato District Manager, Daryl Trim says Waikato firefighters have recently been called out to vegetation fires due to fires being lit in the wrong conditions.

“If it’s too risky to light your land clearing fires, don’t do it,” says Trim.

Trim is also reminding residents there are currently fire restrictions around the Kawhia and Waipa peatlands.

“We aren’t considering further fire restrictions at this time of year as we recognise the use of controlled fires as a land management tool,” he says.

“However, the fire danger won’t ease until there is some significant rainfall, so people should continue to be vigilant and take care with any outdoor fires.

"Most landowners do take safety precautions, but we want to minimise the risk in the ‘risky areas’ until we have had reasonable rainfall," he says.

"Fires in a green paddock, well away from scrub, kikuyu grass and peat are okay, providing fire precautions are being followed.

Supervise the fire until it is completely out and make sure it is well clear from other combustible materials."

For more information on how to be fire safe or to apply for a permit, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.

More like this

Mixed season for Waikato contractors

Last season was a mixed bag for Waikato contractors, with early planted forage maize, planted on the dry soils around Cambridge, doing badly after germination and failing to meet potential, says Jeremy Rothery, Jackson Contracting.

Featured

Owl Farm marks 10 years as NZ’s first demonstration dairy farm

In 2015, the signing of a joint venture between St Peter's School, Cambridge, and Lincoln University saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Owl Farm as the first demonstration dairy farm in the North Island. Ten years on, the joint venture is still going strong.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter