Playing with fire

DELWYN DICKEY

Seven large scrub fires during the past week have prompted firefighters to urge more caution.

One on Monday afternoon threatened 300 hectares of bush.

A restricted fire season comes into force today, the first official day of summer, and requires permits for most fires except traditional cooking fires on private property and approved gas-fired cookers. The permits are free.

The latest fires should be a warning for people to be careful as summer gets under way, Auckland Council deputy principal rural fire officer Scott Marchant says.

Monday's blaze saw firefighters from as far away as central Auckland called to Ahuroa Valley Rd at around 4pm when a controlled burn-off among logging flashings got out of hand, spreading to manuka and threatening native bush stands.

A Skyworks helicopter, 15 fire trucks and about 50 firefighters from Ahuroa and Warkworth to the central city command unit were involved.

The flames took four hours to extinguish.

"People need to take responsibility as they could be charged costs," Mr Marchant warns.

"The Fire Service acts like a contractor to the council which will then seek to recover its costs. Most people think public liability will cover this but unless farmers or lifestylers have rural fire insurance they may be liable."

A helicopter costs about $2500 an hour and each fire truck $700 to $800 an hour. So Mr Marchant recommends people double-check their insurance policies.

Open air solid fuel fires and barbecues, braziers, chimeras or charcoal burners can be used on private land in a considerate way but aren't allowed in public areas during a restricted fire season.

Backyard open top unapproved incinerators are also banned.

It is illegal to have a fire in any public place in Auckland, including beaches, parks, reserves and forests.

This rule also applies to the Hauraki Gulf islands.

Visit www.aucklandcity. govt.nz/council/services/fires/default.asp.

- © Fairfax NZ News