Being knowledgeable about how and when to light a fire will help make the summer less risky for flare-ups in areas already beginning to dry out.
Although there’s a lot of green foliage around the district, we’re moving into what Fire and Emergency New Zealand, FENZ, call the shoulder season. It’s the time when grass and foliage are starting to dry out and any spark is enough for a fire to ignite, and it can quickly spread.
“There’s a lot of dry, dead material sitting within the green scrub,” says Nelson Marlborough FENZ, principal rural fire officer, Ian Reade.
A fire caused by a chainsaw in Brightwater recently is a timely reminder. Even with the current level of green foliage, eight fire appliances were required to extinguish the fire.
Rain or lack of it will continue to dictate fire restrictions over the coming months as it’s usually in this shoulder period when we can become complacent and get caught out, says Ian.
The common mechanisms causing spontaneous fires are sparks generated when metal hits metal or stone, but BBQ’s and braziers can also be fire-starting culprits.
Ian advises ensuring your BBQ’s or braziers are at least 5 metres from anything flammable, which includes not stacking your wood close to them. Make sure a water source is also handy.
Currently, we’re in a restricted fire season. This means all outdoor fires other than authorised fires require a permit in the Nelson and Tasman districts. Fires in the backyard are ok.
If no rain falls over the next 3-4 weeks, we could go into a prohibited season which means a total fire ban, and that means no BBQ’s or braziers to be used anywhere.
FENZ are as prepared as they can be but need the community to help decrease the risk of fires. For updates on the changing level of fire restrictions, to get a fire permit and to check whether it’s safe to light that BBQ or brazier, head to www.checkitsalright.nz.