Fires have been banned in Otago over Easter weekend amid forecasts of severe winds and dry weather.
Forecasts of severe winds coupled with dry conditions have prompted a suspension of fire permits across Otago. Fire danger has been assessed as being extreme or very high in large parts of the region over Easter, Central Otago deputy principal rural fire officer Bobby Lamont said. The move began on Thursday at midday and will end at noon on Tuesday. “Severe winds are forecast for Easter Sunday and Easter Monday which will increase the fire danger further and the dry fuels and soil in the region would make containing a fire extremely difficult if one were to occur,” he said.
Source:Â Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is suspending all fire permits across the Otago Region, which includes Coastal Zone Dunedin, Clutha including Catlins, Waitaki, Central Zone and Lakes from 12pm on Thursday 1 April until 12pm Tuesday 6 April.
Central Otago Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Bobby Lamont says the fire danger is extreme or very high in large parts of the region over Easter.
âSevere winds are forecast for Easter Sunday and Easter Monday which will increase the fire danger further and the dry fuels and soil in the region would make containing a fire extremely difficult if one were to occur,â Bobby Lamont says.
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The central zone includes Alexandra, Clyde,
Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow,
Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch.
There has been a
total fire ban in the Otago District Central Zone since 18
December 2020.
However, recent rainfall has reduced
the fire danger levels which means the area can now join the
rest of the Otago District in a restricted fire
season.
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Bobby
Lamont says the restricted fire season means people in the
Otago District Central Zone may be able to light an outdoor
fire if they apply for a permit and follow the conditions
listed on it.