Source: Radio New Zealand
District Commander Rob Hands said setting off fireworks was a highly risky activity over summer SANKA VIDANAGAMA / AFP / Hiro Teraoka
Firework bans have been issued at two visitor destinations in South Canterbury, as firefighters brace for summer.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the temporary bans covered the Mackenzie Basin and the area around Lake Clearwater, and took effect from Monday, 15 December, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire over the summer.
District Commander Rob Hands said 98 percent of New Zealand’s wildfires were started by people, and fireworks bans in both destinations were an annual fixture.
“Wildfire is an ever-present hazard in both areas, because of their dry and windy climate, the natural vegetation and topography.”
Hands said setting off fireworks was a highly risky activity over summer, when vegetation was tinder dry and outdoor fires were often challenging for firefighters to bring under control.
“While some parts of the countryside are still deceptively green, locals know how quickly conditions can change given a few warm and windy days,” he said.
“We are putting this measure in place now, when visitor numbers are starting to increase, so that we have a consistent approach all summer.
“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire, so we want visitors to understand the risks and leave their fireworks at home this summer.”
Signage would be installed over the next few days, with posters in campgrounds and shops to remind people not to let off any fireworks.
The MacKenzie Basin was currently in an open-fire season, meaning that a permit was not currently needed to light an open fire in the area.
However, Hands said anyone planning to light a fire in the open still needed to do it safely and with consideration for others,.
The temporary fireworks ban for the Mackenzie Basin would be in place until 31 March, 2026, while the Lake Clearwater Ban would end on 10 February.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
