Reducing wildfire risk
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding winegrowers to be prepared for the potential risks associated with a return to "normal" fire season.
Otago District Central Zone moved to a restricted fire season effective at 8am Wednesday 20 January.
The central zone includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch.
There has been a total fire ban in the Otago District Central Zone since 18 December 2020.
However, a recent rainfall has reduced the fire danger levels which means the area can now join the rest of the Otago district in a restricted fire season.
Deputy principal rural fire officer Bobby Lamont says the restricted fire season means people in the Otago District Central Zone may be able to light an outdoor fire if they apply for a permit and follow the conditions listed on it.
“Being in a restricted season also gives land managers and contractors the ability to undertake any necessary fire related work on their properties, if they have a permit,” Lamont says.
“While we are changing seasons from prohibited to restricted, we still need our communities to remain vigilant about wildfire risks.”
“We are likely to see high temperatures, and a dryer than usual summer so people should think about the activities they are planning,” he says.
“If the danger is red, keep your tools and machinery in the shed to avoid a spark and starting a fire.”
He says that if you are planning a fire, you should check the local fire danger via www.checkitsalright.nz and apply for a fire permit.
Fire and Emergency will continue to monitor fire conditions in case changing weather conditions necessitate a move back to a prohibited fire season.
The Neogen World Angus Forum, a major event in global Angus beef industry, is set to return in 2025.
Whatever an animal is raised for, it deserves a good life — and just as importantly, a “good death”.
North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.
OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.
Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.
Fonterra has announced $15 million in investments in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months.
OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers…
OPINION: The new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has just had the hallelujah moment of the 21st century in…