Fire, Weather  |  4 Feb 2019

In a series of weekly updates, weather conditions and fire restrictions will be outlined for the region, from the Rakaia River in the south to the Conway River in the north.

Fire restrictions remain in force across the greater Christchurch region and throughout Canterbury.

Anyone planning to light a fire outside in the Christchurch City area, including Banks Peninsula, or in the surrounding districts requires a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

The fire risk remains very high throughout the region.

The fire risk remains very high throughout the region.

People can apply for fire permits online at checkitsalright.nz or call FENZ on 0800 658 628.

Several small vegetation fires have been contained in the past week, highlighting the dry conditions.

However, FENZ reports that the potential for a major outbreak remains extremely high across Canterbury.

An very hot, dry start to the week will be tempered by a cooler period from Wednesday until Friday before the conditions worsen, with north-west winds forecast for the weekend.

FENZ expects the severe fire conditions to be particularly strong in inland areas this week, while the winds will be lighter near the coast.

It says that the southerly change overnight on Tuesday will bring patchy drizzle but not enough to lessen the fire risk.

The fire risk will continue to be raised at the weekend because of the parched ground and swathes of brittle vegetation across the region as the grass dries out.

The potential for vegetation fires to quickly develop and spread is climbing.

People are being asked to stay alert and do the following to help prevent a major fire across high-risk areas of Canterbury:

  • Be vigilant while undertaking any activities that can cause a spark, such as grinding, welding and even lawn mowing on stony ground.
  • Take precautions to avoid starting a fire, such as putting off non-essential work or carrying out work during cooler and settled conditions.
  • Ensure that recent fires on private properties are checked and monitored to prevent the fire reigniting in the dry and windy conditions.
  • Regularly check weather forecasts for changes. Even with a fire permit, the holder must adhere to the permit conditions.

People can find tips for keeping their property safe on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

The Canterbury Air Regional Plan also sets limits on where and when fires can be lit.

You can find more information on the Environment Canterbury website.