A Featherston firefighter pushes his way through thick gorse to reach a scrub fire at Lake Onoke spit on the South Wairarapa coast. PHOTO/FILE
GRACE PRIOR
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All Wairarapa has moved into a restricted fire season.
Fire and Emergency said the restriction took effect at 8am on Wednesday.
In a restricted fire season, anyone planning to light an open-air fire will need a permit.
Permits can be applied for at checkitsalright.nz.
Fire and Emergency acting Wellington District manager Brett Lockyer said the reason for the change was the summer weather pattern and predicted climate.
He said the need for a restricted fire season especially related to the south and east coasts of Wairarapa.
“If a fire was to get away in these conditions, it will be difficult to control, especially with the wind we have been experiencing,” he said.
“If you have a permit, follow the conditions listed on your permit.”
Fire and Emergency encouraged all people planning to light fires this season to check the weather conditions.
Lockyer said if it was hot and windy not to light a fire, even if you had a permit.
Fire and Emergency said 99 per cent of wildfires in New Zealand were started by people.
“Your actions make all the difference.”
It said to never leave fire unsupervised because it could spread rapidly.
