Pigeon Post News: Fire Safety still applies in wet weather

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Fire Safety still applies in wet weather

Wet Tasman land becomes very dry very fast. Photo Ray Therkleson

Nelson - Tasman moves back to restricted fire season

Now with all this wet weather Fire and Emergency have had to move Tasman and Nelson back to a restricted fire season.

What seems like a few days ago I was trying to keep my beans alive with the water restrictions and steaming hot weather. Now it seems that climate change has hit so I am occupied with emptying my rain water gauge so often that I have forgotten about my beans.

All areas of the Nelson-Tasman region have moved back to a restricted fire season from today (11 February 2022).

Perhaps some people willing to go camping in this weather will be pleased but please check if your planned fire activity is allowed, and for fire safety advice, go to www.checkitsalright.nz

Fire and Emergency Nelson-Marlborough District Manager Grant Hayward says while the recent wet weather has meant prohibited fire season rules across Nelson-Tasman have been lifted, the fire risk has not passed completely.

"Being in a restricted fire season means anyone in Nelson-Tasman wanting to light an outdoor fire will need a permit.

"Suspended fire permits across the Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay, Lake Rotoiti and Murchison areas have been reactivated, and new fire permit applications will be processed as usual," Grant Hayward says.

"There is still a fire risk and everyone should take care.

Recent Richmond house fire. Photo Ray Therkleson

"Permit holders must read and abide by all conditions stipulated on their fire permit and be extra vigilant with vegetation surrounding their proposed burn site.

"Fine fuels will quickly dry out once the warm dry weather returns, so if in doubt do not light up.

"Conditions will be monitored over the next few weeks and further restrictions on lighting open fires may be imposed if conditions deteriorate," says Mr Hayward.

At this stage there is no change to the prohibited fire season in Marlborough.

"The recent wet weather had less of an impact in Marlborough than in Nelson, which had higher rainfall.

"While both areas are part of the same district, the hazards for each can be quite different.

Mr Hayward finally said “we will continue to review the Marlborough and Nelson-Tasman areas, and make appropriate fire season changes based on the risks.”