Long sunny days bring growing fire risk

Despite Kāpiti having recorded some reasonable rain early this month the District is now rapidly drying out and the long hot summer weather is predicted to continue well into next month.

From today the Principal Rural Fire Officer of the Kapiti Coast District has shifted the rural fire district into a 'high' fire alert status.

All permits for open air fires on Kāpiti Coast Beaches are suspended until further notice.

All incinerator fires and open fires used for the purpose of cooking a hangi or umu will now require a permit from the Council prior to the fire being lit.

Permits will still be issued for open air fires in all other areas of the district but permit holders are reminded to closely follow permit rules. Any breach of permit conditions will result in the permit being immediately revoked and/or possible prosecution.

Forestry owners/managers are advised to strictly monitor access to forestry blocks and carefully manage machinery and the activities of contractors. All contractors should have some basic fire fighting equipment at hand while carrying out forestry work.

Rural property owners are advised to keep their grass mown and clear a defensible space around their home.

Any costs associated with damage or extinguishment resulting from an uncontrolled fire rests entirely with the person responsible for starting the fire. If in any doubt about burning, call your local Council and speak to a rural fire officer or delay your burn until the fire risk reduces.

Refer to the Kāpiti Coast District Council's website to find out the latest fire risk status: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz

Have a safe and enjoyable summer.