Rural neighbours praised for reporting

Firefighters have praised the vigilance of rural Masterton residents who called 111 after seeing smoke rising from a neighbouring property yesterday .

Masterton fire service Station Officer Garry Nielsen said a call was fielded about a sighting of smoke on Stronvar Rd, east of Masterton, shortly before 11am yesterday.

He said a fire crew found the fire and discovered the smoke was from an incinerator fire, for which the property owners had a permit.

Mr Nielsen praised the actions of the residents for reporting the smoke they had seen.

"Reporting is the recommended action to take. When you see smoke at this time of year, call 111 and let us sort it out from there," Mr Nielsen said.

Phill Wishnowsky (pictured), Wairarapa principal rural fire officer, said the fire danger remains very high. There is a restricted fire season in force in the region and a permit must be sought for any fire in rural areas. He agreed with Mr Nielsen that rural residents must remain vigilant and report all sightings of smoke to emergency services.

He said a total fire ban is at least a week away and the danger levels will more than likely stay unchanged for now "unless something unusual or peculiar tips things over".

"Every day, I pore over the numbers, look at conditions and tally what incidents we're having. A total fire ban is possible at any stage but it won't be tomorrow or the next day," he said.