Hold off lighting outdoor fires during the COVID-19 lock-down

Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade attending a rubbish fire on Thursday.

The New Zealand Fire Service is asking residdnts not to light outdoor fires during the COVID-19 lock-down.

"I know we all want to get odd jobs done and clean up while we have more time at home but please do not burn unnecessary fires such as household rubbish or garden waste," says Steve Turek, Fire and Emergency National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery.

"Hold off applying for a permit for an outdoor fire until the lockdown is over.

"We are asking for your patience and understanding during these extraordinary times in our country and asking that you do not light any outdoor fires unless they are absolutely necessary.

"If you currently have a permit, or are planning to use fire for activities such as stubble burn-offs, please carefully review the conditions before lighting any fires.

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"Fire and Emergency NZ is receiving lots of phone calls from people wanting fire permits. While we are under COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions we are unable to visit sites to review permit applications.

"We are understandingly reluctant to put the public and our people at risk to conduct inspections, and there will be cases where we cannot grant permits at this time.

"Fire and Emergency are still processing and granting permits if the risk is low.

"Lighting fires is likely to generate a 111 call from the public whether they are out of control or not. Call in prior to lighting any permitted burns so that we can limit the amount of "smoke chasing" that our brigades are doing.

"Consider alternatives to burning. But if you must light that fire in the open, go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check if you are allowed to have an open fire in your district and if you need a permit for it.

"The weather may feel cooler but there is still high risk of vegetation fires in some parts of the country.

"Check the weather forecast, light the fire away from fences and anything else flammable, monitor any fires at all times and have a hose standing by. Be absolutely sure it is completely extinguished. Check historic fires are fully extinguished."

Steve says New Zealanders can be confident that Fire and Emergency is well-prepared and ready to respond to emergencies as usual during the nationwide self- isolation period.
"Help us by doing your bit to minimise the risk of fire, and the number of avoidable call outs for our first responders.

"Stay safe."