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Rubbish fires have more than doubled during the lockdown period compared to previous years and Fire and Emergency is asking people to stop burning.
Community readiness and recovery national manager Steve Turek says Fire and Emergency will respond to all emergencies but is asking people to help by doing their bit to minimise the risk of fire, and the number of avoidable call outs for our firefighters.
“Between March 23 and April 22 we responded to nearly 750 preventable rubbish fires – more than double the number for the same period last year when we responded to nearly 390 rubbish fires,” Mr Turek says.
“Even if a fire is permitted and under control, the smoke often generates a 111 call from well-meaning members of the public.
“Every time this happens, our firefighters need to leave their isolation bubble and risk potential exposure to Covid-19.”
Meanwhile, local fire crews stress that it’s still a restricted fire season.
There have been a spate of vegetation blazes in the past week.
Matakana Volunteer Fire Brigade says people think with recent rain and a relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions, they are free to light bonfires again, but that isn’t the case.
“Our local volunteers have recently had to attend several vegetation fires in the last week.
This is a reminder that we are in a restricted fire season, which means all rubbish, vegetation or bonfires require a permit,” a spokesperson says.
Mr Turek says people should consider alternatives to lighting fires if they can and hold off from rubbish fires, garden waste fires, and controlled burn offs, unless it is for essential industry (for example crop farmers).
“If you think your fire is essential and you’ve applied for a permit, please be patient. During Covid-19 Alert level 3 it may take longer than usual for permit applications to be processed. And when you do burn, burn safely.”
More information is available at www.checkitsalright.nz
