Fire permit message pushed

ILLEGAL: Firefighters douse an illegal bonfire in Featherston on Wednesday.

If you're in an urban setting, get a fire permit.

That's the message fire crews want to hammer home to people who think it's okay to burn rubbish on residential properties.

It was debatable whether the message was getting through to those who had their bonfire doused by Featherston fire crews on Wednesday evening at the end of Daniell St in Featherston. No-one had applied for a permit, and the fire would not have met the requirement of an "approved incinerator".

Resident Mike Burke was with the fire but denied lighting it. He acknowledged they didn't have a permit, but was not impressed with being told he had to have one. He argued it was land exempt from permit requirements.

Featherston fire chief Colin McKenna said that particular property was "right on the edge" but rules are rules. "Three hundred and 65 days of the year, 24 hours a day - they need to get a permit."

He said they often get callouts that relate to storm windfalls, where people have stacked up fallen branches.

"We need to stress this - get on to the local council, then you're covered."

Permitted fires need to be in an approved incinerator, but in some circumstances, depending on the material, the fire can be on the ground.

"If we are heading out on a call, generally we'll know if they have a permit."

If a fire, permitted or not, is causing a smoke nuisance to neighbours, it will be put out.

Carterton fire chief Wayne Robinson said it is timely to reinforce the permit message coming into summer. "We're getting a few, with people burning rubbish in the backyard.

"It is illegal."

Farmers on rural land do not require a permit, except during seasonal fire bans.