The permitted rural burn season is underway in the Queenstown Lakes District but QLDC principal rural fire officer Gordon Bailey is reminding the public that a permit is required for all burns in the district.

“In our district, a permit is required for any outdoor fire, year-round, whereas elsewhere, permits are generally required during the summer months,” Mr Bailey said.

Permits were free and could be applied for at Lakes Environmental offices in Queenstown and Wanaka or could be downloaded at www.qldc.govt.nz. The exception to this was any planned fire in a 1 kilometre radius of Department of Conservation (DOC) owned land.

“In that case you need to apply for a permit from DOC,” Mr Bailey said.

A complete fire ban (ie no permits issued) was generally enforced in the district from December to April.

“By that time vegetation is really drying out, which is why farmers choose to undertake controlled burns during October,” he said.

Several permits had been issued to farmers over the next few weeks to undertake controlled burns in accordance with farming practice.

Controlled burns on high country farms around Queenstown, the Cardrona Valley and Wanaka were scheduled.

“This is a recognised activity under the Rural Fires Act to allow legitimate clearance for agricultural purposes. People should not be alarmed if they see smoke around these areas, but if in doubt call emergency services,” he said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Gordon Bailey 03 441 0499.

By: Andrea Bunting