FENZ to Meet Canterbury Property Owners Over Out-of-Control Burn-Off Fires
Fire and Emergency staff are taking proactive measures to address recent incidents of uncontrolled burn-offs in Canterbury, where fires ignited by property owners have caused significant concern. District commander Dave Stackhouse reported that on June 20, fires from eleven burn-piles rapidly spread due to strong nor-westerly winds, leading to a strain on firefighting resources typically reserved for mid-summer emergencies. The situation was exacerbated by a record high temperature of 24.7 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest June day ever recorded in the area. Stackhouse expressed disappointment over the number of unattended fires, emphasizing that the windy conditions were well-forecasted and should have prompted property owners to exercise greater caution. He noted that if rain had not arrived later that day, the situation could have escalated further, potentially requiring assistance from brigades in neighboring districts. The response from local fire brigades was substantial, with nearly every team in Canterbury mobilized to tackle the blazes, diverting volunteers from their families and weekend activities for fires that were largely preventable. Currently, Canterbury is in an open fire season, which allows for outdoor fires without the need for permits. However, this does not absolve landowners of their responsibility for any fires they ignite, including those managed for forestry purposes. The consequences for allowing a fire to get out of control can be severe, with penalties reaching up to $300,000 in fines and potential jail time of up to two years. Stackhouse highlighted that at least one of the fires over the weekend originated from a property where a similar fire had escaped control within the past year, underscoring the need for greater vigilance among property owners in the region.
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