A short-term prohibition on the use of private fireworks in the Central Otago, Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas also comes into force today.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said the move to a restricted fire season brought the Queenstown Lakes area into line with Central Otago and Upper Waitaki. It means permits will be required for almost all outdoor fires.
The restricted fire season and temporary ban on fireworks both reflect Fenz’s efforts to cut the risk of wildfires over the summer.
Fenz acting district manager Craig Gold said in a statement the areas covered by the controls included several popular holiday spots that were also at high risk from unwanted fires over summer.
"Every year our firefighters have to drop everything and put out fires caused by people letting off fireworks. This is especially the case at New Year, when people bring out fireworks they’ve saved from Guy Fawkes. They don’t always consider the fire risk, which is much higher now than in early November."
Unfortunately, the same thing happened with outdoor fires — bonfires, campfires and land management fires, he said. People lit them without checking the weather forecast or considering that the grass might easily catch fire.
"Once a fire gets going in these conditions, it can cause a lot of damage very quickly, and be very challenging for firefighters to put out. We would much prefer that people didn’t start fires in the first place," Mr Gold said.
In a restricted fire season most types of outdoor fires, including bonfires and campfires, require a fire permit. There are a small number of exceptions including cultural cooking fires such as hangi and umu.
"This year we want to send a very clear message to locals and visitors alike — be a good sort," Mr Gold said.
"Leave the fireworks in the box. Think ahead if you’re planning an outdoor fire and apply for a permit in plenty of time."
— Allied Media
