Fireworks night: Start a fire, pay the price

Anyone who starts a fire tonight can expect a hefty bill. PHOTO / PETER DE GRAAF

The cost of extinguishing fires sparked by fireworks will be paid by those responsible, a Far North rural fire officer says.

While rain showers fell across the region yesterday fire officials said it was not enough to change the fire risk which remained high in the Far North.

On Tuesday afternoon fire crews were called to an empty section at a subdivision at Kohi Lakes, One Tree Point, after grass and scrub was set alight.

A restricted fire season came into force across the Far North on October 22 meaning permits were needed for any outdoor rural fire, with the exception of barbecues, hangi and umu, and will need to meet strict conditions.

The situation was not as bad in the Whangarei and Kaipara regions where an open fire season remained and no permits were required.

Ahead of tonight's expected Guy Fawkes celebrations fire officers were cautioning those with fireworks to take care.

Far North principal fire officer Myles Taylor said those who started fires with fireworks could expect to pay the bill for putting them out.

"If a fire is caused by fireworks people will have to pay for any costs associated with it.
The rain has been very welcome but there has not been enough to make a difference and it will be complacency that will catch people out."

Just last week a Far North man was sent a $6000 bill after a rubbish fire got out of control and spread into about half a hectare of scrub.

The bulk of the bill was to cover the cost of the helicopter which had to be sent from Paihia to Motutangi, 50km north of Kaitaia, to fight the blaze.

Rural firefighter Mike Sullivan, with Whangarei-based company Forest Protection Services, said things were not as dry in Whangarei and Kaipara and some rain had meant there had been some good scrub growth.

"We are saying to farmers to be careful when they are doing burnoff and do it now before it does get too dry," he said.

Mr Sullivan also urged people to be cautious of using fireworks particularly in windy conditions.

"The wind can fan fires and turn small ones into a big ones real quick."

Northland fire safety officer Craig Bain said simple things like dousing sued fireworks in a bucket of water at the end of the night could prevent a tragedy.

Another tip was read instruction on the fireworks by flash light not a lighter and if items did not light don't muck around with them.

He also said drugs, alcohol and fireworks did not mix.

"Public displays are the way to go. They are alot safer, bigger, flasher and more wow factor for the kids too."

Mr Bain had over the last few days been checking retailers selling fireworks to see they were complying with regulations.