Many high country and hill farmers in Canterbury have permits from ECan allowing them to burn during September, BUT we need to remember to please contact Fire and Emergency NZ first, this is essential to ensure fires are managed safely during Level 3 lockdown.
We all understand that the use of fire is an important land management tool that as farmers we sometimes need to use, it’s also time-critical that controlled burns are completed this month, but we would ask that burning green waste or other material – waits until Level 2.
Principal Rural Fire Officers are happy to help farmers and growers on how to set and manage controlled fires so they don’t escape and require brigades to break their bubble to put them out.
The FENZ Southern Communications centre offers a wealth of information and are incredibly easy to deal with. On the day of your burn please please get in touch with the centre on 03 341 0266 so that the managed burns can be logged. This will avoid brigades being called out needlessly if members of the public report seeing smoke.
Lastly, if you have lit fires over the last few days please check them carefully and make sure they’re completely out, as there is a fair bit of wind forecast for the next few days, and visit www.checkitsalright.nz for more detailed information, and stay safe!
