Waikato District Council as Fire Authority for the Waikato territorial district gives notice of a RESTRICTED fire season in effect from 20 January 2017 until further notice. The risk of fires spreading is becoming higher as temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, increasing fire danger levels across the district.
During a RESTRICTED fire season permits are required for all fires in the open air
within rural and urban areas of the Waikato except for barbeques, traditional cooking fires and fires in properly constructed incinerators or small braziers.
Properties within a one kilometre margin of a Department of Conservation area are required to obtain a fire permit from the Department of Conservation.
Permits for areas within the Waikato district can be applied for by contacting the Waikato District Council or the Council website, www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz. Fires cannot be lit until a permit has been obtained.
Landowners are reminded that they are responsible for the management of all fires lit on their land and could be held accountable for any suppression costs if the fire gets out of control, even if a permit has been issued.
Fires must be safe, contained and monitored at all times. Consideration must be made to avoid smoke nuisance to neighbours and its effect on road visibility.
Those living on peat soils should ensure that there is no risk of fire becoming seated in these soils.
At no time is it permissible to burn green vegetation, rubber, plastics, toxic materials or treated timber.