Residents advised to take precautions to manage fire risk

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Waimakariri residents are being warned to prepare for the fire season, with hot, dry days posing an increased fire risk over the summer months.

Waimakariri District Council and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) are urging residents to be aware of fire dangers, in spite of recent rain, as conditions can change rapidly.

Fenz principal rural fire officer Bruce Janes said it was very likely there would be fires in the district over the summer period, as seen in previous years.

"Don't be fooled by all the rain and cooler temperatures. All that moisture means lots of growth [and], when summer does decide to show, it will rapidly dry off and become a lot of available fuel for any wild fire that may come along," he said.

"When you're working on your property or in the garden, keep machinery well maintained to reduce potential sparks, and mow lawns in cooler conditions.

"You should also assess the risk of fire to your property and get rid of any shrubs, long grass or trees near your home which could burn easily. Having an escape plan for your family and pets is also vital."

The warning comes as scientists and academics caution that the 2017 Port Hills fires "could become the norm that New Zealand fire agencies have to deal with", and criticise agencies for paying "lip service to lessons learned".

The Fenz website (www.fireandemergency.nz) has important information about how to reduce fire risk.

Long grass or any other fire hazard can be reported to Fenz online at www.fireandemergency.nz....