Summer weather has hit with a vengeance.
While that pleases most people, it further dries out surrounding forests that are rated as being in the high to extreme-risk category.
With a forecast of more hot, sunny weather over the next few days, the rating is more than likely going to nudge the rest of the zone over into the extreme range.
And where does that put the already extreme risk area? Well, the categories don’t get any more severe than that. So, if the weather isn’t going to provide relief, all of us will have to be on our best, most careful behaviour.
It seems to be common sense, but now is not the time to be burning anything. But not everyone is getting the message. A homeowner in the Tappen area decided to break the ban by burning vegetation and also having a “campfire” that well exceeded the legal limits, resulting in a call out by firefighters and the potential for fines from the Ministry of Forests.
A campfire ban has not yet been issued, but extreme care needs to be taken to follow those safety parameters, including carefully monitoring the size and the safety of the fire including after it is thought to be extinguished.
A single spark from a cigarette, a firecracker or campfire could prove disastrous for so many in this area. And with temperatures so high, so early in the season, it is unlikely the situation will improve.
Mimic the danger rating. Extreme fire risk equals the need for extreme caution.