Environment
A total fire ban has been imposed across Southland from midnight Sunday 14th January. The ban comes in the wake of today’s 32 degree highs.
‘There is an extreme fire risk for the next two days, with the forecast for even higher temperatures as well as wind,” ,’ says Elton Smith, Southland Principal Rural Fire Officer.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people not to light fires, to extinguish any existing fires and to check any fires have been lit in the last 2 months to ensure they are out.
“The total fire ban means no outdoor fires are allowed, and any existing permits for fires are cancelled.’
‘The only exception is for gas BBQs – and they must only be used well away from anything that can catch fire.”
Fire and Emergency is also asking anyone who has had a recent fire, to check it again to make sure it is completely out.
‘Even fires that appear to have been out for some time can flare up when the temperature and wind gets up,” says Elton Smith.
Updated Information 1500, 15 January 2018
Currently there are 6 fires burning across Southland
- Tiwai – 3 Crews, 1 Digger and 1 Tanker
- Two fires are burning in Western Southland along the coast where 3 crews, 1 tanker and 1 helicopter are working
- Woodlands – 2 crews and 1 tanker
- Orepuki – 2 crews working, digger
- Mossbrun – 2 crews
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people not to light fires, to extinguish any existing fires and to check any fires have been lit in the last 2 months to ensure they are out.