My Account
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is asking northern residents not to light fires during quarantine, despite the Auckland region only being in a ‘restricted’ fire season.
During a restricted fire season, households are able to apply for a permit, but FENZ is not currently issuing them.
Chief executive Rhys Jones says being vigilant in preventing fires is another way Kiwis can do their bit to prevent the spread of covid-19.
“We ask that you continue to hold off those non-essential outdoor fires so that our fire-fighters don’t need to leave their bubbles unnecessarily,” Mr Jones says.
“Burning rubbish and garden waste is not essential right now. Please be patient and wait until it is safe.”
The Warkworth Fire Station has attended four miscellaneous fire callouts in the last week and the Mahurangi East station attended a vegetation fire in Snells Beach.
In Mangawhai, where it is still officially a prohibited fire season with a total fire ban, volunteer crews attended a brazier fire and an incinerator fire last week.
FENZ has also issued a checklist for households to further mitigate risk of fires during lockdown.
The list includes checking that smoke alarms are working, making sure home offices aren’t overloading power plugs, using one appliance per socket, and being vigilant about not leaving cooking unattended.
Meanwhile, with Monday’s announcement about the extension of level 4 lockdown, Police have released a statement in support.
“Remaining at alert level 4 for another seven days is an opportunity for us to solidify the efforts of the last four weeks and, if necessary, Police will not hesitate to take enforcement action, either through warnings or arrests,” the statement said.
“We urge all New Zealanders to keep up the good work by staying local, maintaining your bubbles and adhering to the restrictions around exercise and outdoor activities.”
A vehicle was caught on CCTV camera doing burnouts on Moir Street in Mangawhai this month and police are seeking information.
A distinctive blue, white and yellow van was captured at 9.30pm on April 4 with a license plate possibly ending in 1477.
Anyone with information is asked to email Senior Constable Robert Cato on rcw249@police.govt.nz
Meanwhile, the Kawau Bay Coastguard has been encouraged having had no callouts since the quarantine began.
Coastguard is still on call in case medical transfers or rescues are required for residents of Kawau Island or those in live-aboard boats.
However, Kawau Bay Coastguard president Paul Steinkamp says residents and vessel owners have been great at taking care during quarantine.
