Our region is approaching the level of fire risk of February 2019 when we saw the major blazes in Pigeon Valley, Rabbit Island and on Atawhai’s hills. I ask all Nelsonians to be extra vigilant in supporting Fire and Emergency NZ to help us avoid another disastrous blaze in coming weeks.
The fire warnings started in November when the El Nino weather pattern emerged. The problem is not just the recent hot, dry conditions but the volume of fuel available from the good growing conditions in spring and early summer.
We had our own blaze in the Lee Valley in the first week of February, Christchurch had another major fire on the Port Hills last week and North Canterbury firefighters are battling a major blaze in Waikari Valley this week. No significant rain is forecast for some weeks, and if the hot, dry conditions continue, the risks will increase.
Firstly, we need people to comply with the prohibited fire season declared last Saturday, covering the Coastal, Waimea and Nelson North zones. We also ask people to respect the high-risk areas that have been closed by Council, Tasman Pine Forests Ltd and One Forty One New Zealand.
The 2019 Pigeon Valley fire was sparked by an agricultural contractor ploughing a paddock with discs. The blaze this month in the Lee Valley began when a dislodged load on a trailer ignited roadside grass and then spread to the adjacent forestry. These illustrate how easily a fire can start.
Greatest caution is needed during the hottest period of the day and during windy conditions. Jobs such as mowing the lawn should be done when it’s cooler and when there is still a morning dew. Buildings should be defended by clearing the surrounding flammable material with a nylon line trimmer.
The greatest fire risk is in the peri-urban areas around Nelson. We need households in areas such as the Brook, Maitai and Atawhai to take extra precautions. This should include families preparing an evacuation plan in case of fire.
Let’s heed the warnings and do all we can to support our local firefighters.
