Fire danger

Fire restrictions apply tomorrow throughout Rodney.

Recent rain has been insufficient to alleviate the district's dry conditions, so a restricted fire season is introduced from 10pm tonight, Rodney principal rural fire office Scott Marchant says. The dry spell is expected to continue until about April. Restrictions include a ban on all open fires, unless a free permit is obtained from the Rodney District Council after January 14. All existing permits will be cancelled. Exceptions include gas-fired barbecues and gas cookers. No fires are allowed on beaches either. People can apply to the council for a free fire permit, which includes a free inspection of the proposed fire site.

A council notice advising the restrictions is expected to appear in this issue.

Information visit www.rodney.govt.nz, phone 0800-426-5169 or call at a council customer centre.

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