Residents advised to take precautions to manage fire risk
Waimakariri residents are being warned to prepare for the fire season, with hot, dry days posing an increased fire risk over the summer months.
Waimakariri District Council and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) are urging residents to be aware of fire dangers, in spite of recent rain, as conditions can change rapidly.
Fenz principal rural fire officer Bruce Janes said it was very likely there would be fires in the district over the summer period, as seen in previous years.
"Don't be fooled by all the rain and cooler temperatures. All that moisture means lots of growth [and], when summer does decide to show, it will rapidly dry off and become a lot of available fuel for any wild fire that may come along," he said.
"When you're working on your property or in the garden, keep machinery well maintained to reduce potential sparks, and mow lawns in cooler conditions.
"You should also assess the risk of fire to your property and get rid of any shrubs, long grass or trees near your home which could burn easily. Having an escape plan for your family and pets is also vital."
The warning comes as scientists and academics caution that the 2017 Port Hills fires "could become the norm that New Zealand fire agencies have to deal with", and criticise agencies for paying "lip service to lessons learned".
The Fenz website (www.fireandemergency.nz) has important information about how to reduce fire risk.
Long grass or any other fire hazard can be reported to Fenz online at www.fireandemergency.nz....
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As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
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With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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44.4% Yes - we like to be prepared
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38.9% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
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!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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