Change in fire season for much of the Waikato
21 Paengawhāwhā 2020
The fire seasons for much of the Waikato has changed from prohibited to either open or restricted.
An open fire season means fires can be lit without authorisation, while a restricted season means fires can be lit if a permit is obtained.
Areas now in an open season are:
Hauraki District South of Miranda
Waikato District South of Mangatangi, Pukekawa, and Waikaretu
Waipa District
Waitomo District
Otorohanga District
Matamata-Piako District
South Waikato District
Thames-Coromandel is now in restricted fire season. People will need to apply for a fire permit to light fires. For more information: www.checkitsalright.nz
Principal Rural Fire Officer Paul Shaw says while there’s a change in season, Fire and Emergency would prefer that people didn’t light fires at this time, for example rubbish and garden waste fires.
"Even if the fire is under control, the smoke often results in 111 calls which mean our firefighters need to deal with an avoidable call and risk exposure to COVID-19," he says.
"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 essential."
ENDS
For more information, please contact the Fire and Emergency New Zealand media team.
027 591 8837
Spokespeople also available in te reo.