Media releases
- 21 December 2011: Canterbury rural fire update
- 21 December 2011: Prevention is the best weapon against fire
- Media Release Archive
21 December 2011
Current Situation
So far this season fire danger conditions have generally been moderate and sometimes high periods of hotter windier weather. There are a few places in the region where there are moderate carry over drought conditions from last autumn. Banks Peninsula is especially affected by this situation. Soil moisture on a regional basis is very good and has lead to exceptional grass growth across the region.
The grass growth has been exceptionally thick and long and in some areas upto a metre in height. Areas not used to this level of growth will struggle to manage this vegetation. Presently the grasses are green and not presenting an immediate fire issue, but this could rapidly change with the summer weather and as exotic grasses go to seed. The scrub and forest vegetation fuels are around normal for this time of the year.
The key objective at this point is to keep on top of this green vegetation growth by mowing or cutting before it dries off especially around houses and buildings. It is bound to get dry in January and keeping on top of the growth now will help eliminate a dangerous fuel source for fires later in the season. Try and maintain a mown grass area--green if possible--clear of trees and shrubs to act as a defensible space around all buildings.
Another issue at present, with haymaking well under way, is to ensure that hay is properly dried before baling as hay with too high a moisture content, once stored in a stack or haybarn, is in danger of overheating and igniting through spontaneous combustion. These fires are difficult to extinguish and often lead to not only the loss of the hay but also the barn and possible stored machinery as well.
Prevention is the best weapon against fire
The fire danger for Canterbury is going to be high later this summer, likely to reach very high or extreme at times.
The Canterbury & West Coast Regional Rural Fire Committee has a simple message for the public; “fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”
“Fires cost lives and destroy property and if you light a fire you may be held responsible,” “Almost all fires are easily avoidable, make sure you do all you can to prevent them.”
The committee asks everyone, whether they are at home or in the back country over the hot summer months, to strictly adhere to any fire restrictions and be aware of the fire danger. Fire seasons are advertised by local rural fire authorities who are responsible for issuing any permits and enforcing total fire bans. Even with a permit, a person lighting a fire can be held responsible and liable for any damage it may cause and the costs to put it out.
“The costs of fighting fires in rural areas passed on to the individual responsible have run into the hundreds of thousands.
“As well as tragic loss of life or property, people should be mindful that uncontrolled fires can also devastate our natural areas which may never fully recover.”
“Let’s work together to keep our rural communities and resources safe.”
Some Practical tips on fire prevention
Around your home:
- Keep grass areas mown and short and green if possible
- Keep firewood stacked away from the house
On holiday:
- Trampers hunters, fishers and other holiday-makers should take care with fire and gas cookers. Back country users should be self-sufficient, carrying personal cooking equipment.
- Cookers should be operated in a well-ventilated area and well clear of vegetation that could easily catch alight.
On the farm or lifestyle block:
- Obtain a fire permit, if required, and notify your fire authority of your intention to burn
- Ensure emergency vehicles have access to your house and out-buildings
- Have an adequate water supply for fire fighting within easy access
- Maintain machinery properly and use with care in dry conditions (in particular mowers, hay-making equipment and chainsaws). Check for birds nests in machinery before operating.
- Have adequate fire insurance
- Keep trees and branches well clear of power lines.
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