A total fire ban has been in place for Horowhenua from 8am on Thursday, December 21, 2017 as the district moved to a Prohibited Fire Season.
The decision to introduce the fire ban was made under section 56(1)(a) of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, after dry weatherthroughout November and December has put our area in very high fire danger.
Existing fire permits will be suspended, and no new permits will be issued unless deemed appropriate under council's bylaw.
Exempt from a permit in a prohibited fire season: — Gas barbecue or cooker — Charcoal or wood fired barbecue or cooker that fully contains all sparks — Pizza oven with or without a chimney that fully contains all sparks. Note: If the oven includes a chimney, the chimney must include fine wire mesh (which is replaced annually, as it will burn out).
Those using traditional cooking fires such as an umu or hangi are urged to apply for a permit to enable advice from a rural fire officer. It is highly unlikely a permit will be declined but additional fire safety measures may be required. For tips regarding the safe use of traditional cooking fires, visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.
You commit an offence if you knowingly or recklessly light, or allow another person to light a fire in open air in an area that is in a Prohibited Fire Season unless under a permit issued by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and in accordance with any conditions of the permit.
The Prohibited Fire Season will be in place until revoked or amended by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. To find out more about the Prohibited Fire Season visit www.checkitsalright.nz or phone at 0800 658 628.
