January 31, 2009

Four fires were deliberately lit in one day just days after the Far North District Council declared a prohibited fire season.
The council has reminded people to obtain a permit before burning anything as temperatures soar in the Far North.
A restricted fire season was introduced across the Far North last week, with a total fire ban operative in the Aupouri and Karikari districts.
'People need to be aware of just how volatile the fire risk is as vegetation dries off as a result of high temperatures, low humidity and no significant rain,' principal rural fire officer Lance Johnston said.
He said even a small spark or cigarette butt could lead to a potentially serious fire.
Mr Johnston said four fires were reported in the Kerikeri area, all of which were deliberately lit without a fire permit.
'It is very concerning that people are still either unaware of the restrictions or are choosing to ignore them,' he said.
In Aupouri/Karikari district, he said no fires, including hangi, could be lit without a permit from either the council or the Department of Conservation.
Mr Johnston said there was no real reason for people not to seek a fire permit as the service was free of charge and the permit could be initiated by a telephone call.
He said environment risks, including Kiwi habitats and native bush, and risk to property was too high to ignore the restrictions.
He warned an illegally ignited fire could involve those responsible paying huge costs towards firefighting.
'For example, if we have to call in a helicopter to help fight a fire which is out of control, the cost per hour is around $2500.'
A Northland fire officer needed medical attention for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation yesterday after fighting a scrub fire in Kaeo.
A fire communications spokesman said officers were called to what was initially a controlled burn-off at Te Huia Marae Rd just before 5pm.
Volunteers from Kaeo and Kerikeri attended the blaze for nearly two hours.