Fire restrictions relaxed in Hastings

BAN EASED: Hastings has relaxed its fire ban but people must still be careful. Pictured is the site of last week's fire near the Tukituki River. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

A total fire ban across Hastings district has been relaxed.

Hastings District Council now has a restricted a fire season, but full fire bans remain in place in the Napier City, Central Hawke's Bay and Wairoa districts.

Council principal rural fire officer Trevor Mitchell said consistent rain across the district had "lawns, roadsides and gullies all greening up nicely".

The restricted fire season means those living in urban areas of Hastings can use their pizza ovens, cultural cooking fires such as hangi, and braziers without requiring a permit.

"But do please still be careful. If you have a fire make sure it is an area of your garden that has seen some rain and keep a hose very close by," Mr Mitchell said.

In those urban areas permits are still required for incinerators and other outdoor fires.
All fires in rural areas, including cooking fires, continue to require permits.

People who see unattended fires in rural areas are asked to ring 111.

"While things are greening up, we are not out of danger. Great care is still needed," said Mr Mitchell.

Bay Forests Rural Fire District and the Department of Conservation have also revoked their total fire bans and changed to a restricted fire season.

For more information on fire restrictions, including how to apply for a permit, see www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/fire-restrictions

For information on fire restriction details across the rest of the region see www.wairoadc.govt.nz/wairoa/services/rural_fire_control/index.htm ; www.chbdc.govt.nz/services/rural-fire/rural-fire ; http://www.napier.govt.nz/services/environmental-health-and-safety/fire-safety/