Greater risk of fires

Press, 1 September 1982, Page 20

Greater risk of fires

Forest fires, the ever-present threat that comes with Canterbury summers, have begun early this year, even before the official start to spring today. The signs are ominous. Fire risks are high in many parts of the South Island. In the last two weeks, fires have burned out of control in places as far apart as Glenorchy, Geraldine, Hanmer, Clarence, and Nelson. According to the chief fire control officer for the Canterbury conservancy of the New Zealand Forest Service, Mr W. Leef, the province is probably facing its most dangerous summer for fires. The drought being experienced in many parts of the South Island has left forests and pastoral land particularly vulnerable. A measure of the problem can be gauged from the rainfall figures for Christchurch so far this year. They are generally in line with those recorded in other dry parts of the country. Eight months of the year have gone, and the driest months are yet to come. The rainfall recorded in Christchurch has been less than half the average for the period. Water tables throughput the province are low, meaning not only dry land and higher fire risks, but added difficulty in getting water from drying wells to fight fires when they occur.

This time of year is ordinarily one for controlled burn-offs to prepare land for

cultivation or planting. The risks of such fires’ getting out of hand are calculated and generally cannot be avoided if proper use is to be made of some kinds of land. Official permission is required for such fires. Land-owners who set fires without obtaining a permit are acting irresponsibly as well as illegally. They put not only their own property — and livelihood — at risk, but also that of their neighbours. Most people who live close to the land are well aware of the disaster that fire can cause.

Careless and unthinking actions pose a greater threat than deliberate ones. People who live in the relative security of towns are often at fault because they are less mindful of the consequences of a fire in the countryside. Casually, discarded cigarette ends and matches can start costly and devastating fires. So, too, can the embers of picnic fires and barbecues. Glass or bottles cast aside as litter can start fires, in addition to creating the other dangers raised by such an untidy and selfish practice. Almost inevitably, early restrictions will be placed on lighting fires in the open this season. The reason for them is sound, the result of breaching the rules may be disaster. The co-operation of everyone is required to minimise the risks; in most instances it requires only a little extra care. -