Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
The Marlborough District will enter a restricted fire season, as of 8am on Thursday 14 December, until further notice.
A restricted fire season means anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire will need to apply for and obtain a permit. You can apply for one at www.checkitsalright.nz.
All Department of Conservation land is in a year-round restricted fire season.
Declaring the restricted fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Nelson Marlborough District Manager Grant Haywood says a wet spring and the start of summer has resulted in a high level of vegetation growth throughout Marlborough.
“While there is still some green vegetation throughout the District, it only takes a few hot and windy days to quickly dry this out and create a fast-moving fire.
“A range of activities such as barbecuing and cultural cooking are still allowed during a restricted fire season.
Information on the local fire danger is also easily accessible via the MetService website.
“Even if you have a permit, we would expect anyone planning on lighting a fire to check the conditions, and hold off lighting, especially if it is windy and hot,” Grant Haywood says.
“We know a substantial number of people will still be visiting the area over summer and we want to reduce the risk of fires as much as possible.”
