Hey Mate! Don't light that fire!
There's a total fire ban on around the Waikato. The little rain we’ve had has evaporated and the ground, grass and bush are still tinder dry.
So how come a few people are ignoring the ban and burning hedge clippings, tree stumps or general clean-up rubbish? That's something that puzzles Paul Shaw, Principal Rural Fire Officer for the Waikato.
"The fire risk is extreme for most of the region, so when someone decides to burn off a heap of rubbish they are highly likely to set their surroundings alight,” he says.
“A lifestyle block owner in the Northern Waikato recently lit a fire that started off small but spread quickly and got out of control. Two Brigades has to turn out to what was an unnecessary, deliberately lit fire during the Total Fire Ban.”
Even a fire that appears safe can still cause unnecessary call-outs and serious logistical problems for the Fire Service.
“When members of the public see smoke they call 111, and we are obliged to send fire appliances and staff to investigate. Not only does that divert us from real emergencies it means that our staff and volunteers have to leave their safe Covid-19 ‘bubbles’ and risk a virus infection,” says Paul.
“We are doing our best to look after our personnel during the pandemic. We have stood down all over 70s, and many others have stood themselves down because they or members of their close families having underlying health issues. This has reduced the number of people we have available to respond.”
Paul emphasises that Fire and Emergency NZ will always be there to look after communities but right now they are asking the public to minimise the risk by not lighting any fires.
“We can’t afford to have our limited resources put in unnecessary danger because of fires lit by thoughtless people,” he says.
For further information contact Paul Shaw on 027 284 8636 or paul.shaw@fireandemergency.nz
Poll: What do you think of this new sculpture?
It’s pointing the way to Taupiri, it’s 12 metres high, it weighs 12.5 tonnes and you simply can’t miss it.
The stunning new sculpture at the intersection of State Highway 1 and 29 in Piarere has been turning heads since its installation last month - but there is more to this mighty avian’s story than you might expect.
What do you think of this new sculpture? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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50% Love it
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40% Not my thing
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10% Other - explain in the comments
🕵️♂️ Detective Mode ON! Can You Crack These Riddles? 🔍
Two people are born at the same moment, but they don't have the same birthday, how?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's one highway or road that needs attention?
We've all been on a summer roadie and experienced first-hand the state of our roads.
If you've ever been stuck in a summer traffic jam, had near-misses on dangerous turns or feared for your life on clifftops (while the car behind you is tail-gating!) - you may have an opinion on this one.
Tell us what main road or highway you think needs some serious attention across the country, and why!
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