Forest fire risk dangerous

Press, 1 December 1988, Page 14

Forest fire risk dangerous

PA Wellington A dangerously high potential for disastrous bush fires this summer has prompted the Forest Owners’ Association to mount its most intensive public education campaign. The association warns that the prolonged east coast drought and persistent westerly winds have resulted in an earlier than usual fire hazard season. Fighting forest fires in Canterbury and the central North Island had already cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, said an association executive member, Mr Peter Olsen, yes-

terday. “If we experience anything like our normal January and February weather the potential for disaster ... appears to be dangerously high.” While the association’s main concern was commercial forestry it wanted to ensure all forests were safeguarded, and was stepping up its annual fire safety campaign with the support of the Minister of Conservation, Ms Clark, and the Minister of Forestry, Mr Tapsell, said the president, Mr Peter Grayburn. Land clearing and picnics

continue to be the most common causes of forest and rural fires, according to the association. Of the 829 fires which destroyed 2600 ha of scrub, forest and grassland during the year till April 30, 222 were caused by burn-offs getting out of control and 120 by picnickers, Mr Olsen said. Some of the others were caused by sparks from motor vehicle engine or battery leads, from red-hot carbon particles emitted from the exhausts of trail bikes and chainsaws, by rubbish tips, and by smokers. Mr Olsen said holiday-makers

with limited knowledge of bushcraft or camping skills were often responsible for fires. This year’s “Take time ; to think about the little things” campaign will feature radio advertisements with Barry Crump warning about the dangers of unattended campfires and discarded cigarette butts and matches. Posters and pamphlets urging people to use picnic area and layby barbecues instead of lighting open fires, and to ensure vehicle and chainsaw exhausts are regularly decarbonised are being distributed.