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

Mocktails and menopause

For those rural women who feel menopause might be getting the best of them, a series of events is heading to the Waikato that could help.

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.

Being aware of false alarms

In its outreach to the wine industry, one of Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s core messages centres on the need to reduce the accidental activation of fire alarms.

Featured

No bird flu on second farm

Biosecurity New Zealand says test results to date from a small free-range layer chicken farm near Dunedin are negative for avian influenza.

No disease on other Mainland Poultry farms

Biosecurity New Zealand has reported no signs of disease on other chicken farms operated by Mainland Poultry in Otago, however testing and monitoring work continues.

National

NZ out of step - report

New Zealand is out of step globally in looking to put a price on agricultural emissions from food production.

Pork imports furore

Pork farmers says a significant influx of imported pork is causing them concern.

Govt limits forestry conversions

Farmers have welcomed the Government’s move designed to limit farm to forestry conversions entering the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Machinery & Products

More front hoppers

German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single…

Origin Ag clocks up 20 years

With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor,…

Teat spray price drop

FIL, the animal health and dairy hygiene subsidiary of GEA Farm Technologies, is dropping the price for its chlorhexidine teat…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Loud noises!

OPINION: One of the strongest arguments for Act’s Treaty Principles Bill is probably its opponents’ total inability to raise a…

Barks like a dog

OPINION: Landcorp is putting a brave face on its latest result, highlighting its progress on KPIs like climate change and…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter