Scrub fire risk high, but no plan for total ban yet

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The scrub fire risk around the region is extreme but the forest fire risk remains moderate, and the principal rural fire officer has no plans to introduce a prohibited fire season, or total fire ban, just yet.

However, that could change next week with 30 degree temperatures in the forecast.

The region has been covered by a restricted fire season since December, where permits have been required for most types of fires.

“The scrub fire risk is extreme, but that always happens in summer. It does bounce around though,” said principal rural fire officer Ray Dever.

“Rain can drop an extreme scrub fire risk to normal overnight, but another hot day and it shoots back up again.

“At present the forest fire risk is still moderate.”

He said overall the fire risk was “hanging in there”.

“You’ve only got to see the way your lawns are growing, with lots of green growth.

“But by the end of next week the overall situation will probably change,” Mr Dever said.

“The several 30 degree days forecast for next week will affect the situation markedly.”

Under the terms of the current restricted season, braziers, incinerators, hangi and umu fires are exempt from permit requirements.

Anyone wanting a permit should log on to the http://www.checkitsalright.nz/ site.