Grass should be cut to reduce fire risk

Recent North Otago weather conditions have allowed grass to grow long and untamed, meaning as the area moves into summer the fire risk grows, a Waitaki District Council spokesman says.

Councillor Bill Kingan, who represents the Corriedale ward, said grass in residential zones, camping sites as far away as Otematata, and more rural areas could become fire risks if land owners did not take action.

He said despite recent wet weather people should not become complacent. They should cut long grass to reduce the fire risk created by careless acts such as tossing a cigarette out of a car window, he said.

``I've seen in the past, more out in the rural areas, where [fire has] covered thousands of acres. It's capable of spreading over huge areas.''

Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Phil Marsh said all of Otago was in a restricted fire season and people could only light fires if they had a permit.

He agreed with Mr Kingan and said recent wet weather had caused widespread growth and now was the time for people to remove it if they could do so safely.

Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Terry Walsh said Omarama was starting to dry out and people needed to exercise caution.

Kurow Volunteer Fire Brigade chief John Sturgeon said several sections in his township were overgrown and it would be ``great'' if property owners carried out needed maintenance work.

``It's drying out exceptionally fast and will become a fire hazard if left like it is.''

Mr Kingan said people should also think about their actions in relation to the dozens of people who volunteer with the North Otago Fire Brigades who would have to battle any blazes this summer.

``They would like to have Christmas dinner at home with their families.''

For information about fire risk in Otago, check otagoruralfire.org.nz.

shannon.gillies@odt.co.nz