Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s new ‘check it’s alright’ website allows anyone about to light a fire to check to see if the conditions are right and if they’ve taken the right actions to reduce fire risk.
Check out the website here: https://www.checkitsalright.nz/ . It features a quick 3-step ‘Can I Light A Fire?’ tool which will be handy for everything from lighting a BBQ to clearing or disposing of vegetation. It tells you the weather conditions, the risks and whether or not a permit is required.
The new online tool was launched by the Minister in charge of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti.
“No one wants their property destroyed or their life disrupted by fire, but many of us don’t realise just how risky some common activities are,” Jan Tinetti says.
The new mobile-friendly tool on Fire and Emergency’s checkitsalright.nz website makes it easier for people to understand fire danger conditions across the country and helps make informed decisions about lighting outdoor fires this summer.
“New Zealanders can check local fire danger and fire season status, and get clear guidance on whether they need a permit to light a fire or not.
The tool is part of Fire and Emergency’s Summer Wildfire Prevention Campaign which uses native birds as ambassadors to illustrate the wildlife at stake with wildfires.
“Climate change means fires present a growing threat to communities here and overseas. As we enter a hot, dry summer, it is important people understand the risks and act accordingly.
“This year, the wildfire season has started earlier. We’ve already had two significant fires, with 3500 hectares devastated at Aoraki/Mt Cook – and 5000 hectares with 48 buildings, melted water tanks, and destroyed power and water systems at Lake Ōhau.
“In New Zealand, 99% of wildfires are started by people – it only takes a spark. Our actions make all the difference, especially when the fire danger is heightened over summer,” Jan Tinetti says.