Forest fire risk below normal

Press, 28 December 1978, Page 2

Forest fire risk below normal

The fire risk in Canterbury forests was well below what would normally be expected at this time of the year, said a Forest Service spokesman yesterday. Humidity readings have been averaging between 60 and 80 per cent even in the afternoons, said the Assistant Conservator of Forests (Mr H. H. Wilson).

“The situation is comfortable,” he said. Danger readings in most areas were “moderate.”

This was because there had been an unusual amount of cloud this summer and a predominance of easterly winds, Mr Wilson said- The situation could change quickly if there were to be a continued change to westerly winds. “There is not the normal fire risk we would expect.” Mr Wilson said. Nevertheless, most rural counties have imposed fire

bans which prohibit all open fires, including barbecues, except in approved places.

In many areas it is necessary to get a fire permit to have a campfire or a barbecue and these have to be obtained from the controlling fire-prevention authority. In mariy cases the authority is the county rural fire officer, who may be on holiday at this time of the year.

A number of county offices are also closed during the holidays. In those areas where open fires are prohibited — which includes all of Akaroa County — jarbecues are prohibited, except in a few designated areas. One of the difficulties facing campers is finding just v’here they are — within the jurisdiction of the county, or on Crown land, which usually is administered by the Forest Service.