Hawke's Bay people urged to be vigilant about fire danger

25 January 2021

Fire crews in Hawke’s Bay have attended a number of vegetation fires over the last few days and Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people to be extra vigilant as we get into some very hot days over the next two to three weeks.

One of the vegetation fires is still under investigation. Others were caused by people burning unpermitted fires, powerlines sagging onto trees due to the heat and one fire was an old burn that had been buried a year ago and had been burning underground ever since.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Trevor Mitchell is asking people to take extra care.

"If it is windy, don’t light any fires in the open at all and ensure braziers, pizza ovens and charcoal fires are supervised and completely extinguished, Trevor Mitchell says.

"Anyone who has had a large burn pile over the winter should double check that it is completely out. They can call Fire and Emergency NZ if they need any assistance," he says.

"We ask people to advise their local power authority if powerlines are close to trees or other vegetation and avoid spark hazardous activities such as mowing and topping during the heat of the day.

"Hawkes Bay is having a great summer and we want people to enjoy it safely so any sign of fire call 111 immediately."