High fire risk in Marlborough

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 4

High fire risk in Marlborough

PA Blenheim The fire risk in Marlborough County south of the Wairau River is now high.

It is particularly dangerous in the lower reaches of the Awatere, Wairau and Waihopi Valleys, said the county’s rural fire officer, Mr Max Healy, yesterday. South of Taimate, and around Ward, the landscape is still quite green.

A restricted fire season was introduced in the county two weeks ago. This means that all fires except those in approved appliances, must have a

permit. Mr Healy said the public had been very good about this and there had been no problems. “In fact, there have been very few applications,” he said. “The farmers realise that the situation is tight, but I am anticipating there will be a lot (of applications) soon for the burning of stubble. “If that is done in controlled conditions it is all right. They must burn late in the day, or evening, in still wind conditions and with adequate fire breaking.”

Mr Healy said few permit applications had come

through him, as most people knew who their local wardens were.

“At the top end of moderate” was how the principal rural fire officer in Marlborough north, Mr John Marchant, described the fire risk in his area. However, he said he thought it was less dangerous than in neighbouring Nelson. The highest risk in Marlborough north is in the areas of exotic forest. Mr Marchant said the public had been responsible during the last few weeks ■ and he had only some "niggly” little problems to deal with.