Dry conditions prompt total fire ban
[Copied and pasted from an email I received from christchurch.getsready.net...
A total fire ban is being put in place across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula as the fire risk in the area escalates.
A restricted fire season has been in place since mid January but with the countryside drying out and more warm weather predicted, Christchurch City Council Principal Rural Fire Officer Darrin Woods has decided to declare a prohibited fire season.
The total fire ban will come into effect as of midnight on Saturday, February 11 and will remain in force until the fire risk lessens.
Mr Woods said the current conditions in the Christchurch City Council Rural Fire District were somewhat unusual for this time of the year.
“While the Port Hills and some other parts of the city appear very brown there is still a deceptive tinge of green across the area. However, the amount of fuel available to burn is substantial and any ignitions under warm windy conditions are likely to be successful and sustained.
“Imposing the prohibition is a proactive measure to try and reduce the risk of unwanted and potentially damaging fires,’’ Mr Woods said.
During the prohibition the lighting of all fires in the open air is banned, including barbecues and other such devices which use or contain solid fuels. Gas fuelled barbecues and gas cookers can still be used.
Mr Woods said some special permits for fires might be issued during the prohibition but they would typically be limited to biosecurity and public health related matters. Such requests would be carefully considered on a case by case basis.
He urged anyone who spotted a fire or smoke to call 111 immediately as early detection could minimise the damage.
Find out more about the fire season status and restrictions.
ccc.govt.nz...
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.4% Yes
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13.5% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Who would have thought walking could have been so dangerous!
Wow!
In 2022 there were 33 fatal crashes, 245 serious injury crashes, and 590 minor injury crashes where pedestrians were involved.
In these crashes, 34 people walking died, 240 people walking were seriously injured, and 595 people walking suffered minor injuries.
Most injuries occur in the young (5 - 29yrs), then 50+yrs, with the highest number of child pedestrians injured between 2pm and 4pm, followed by 4pm to 6pm and 8am to 10am.
Emergency Cards and Tags, ensure first responders have instant access to crucial medical details if any, and can notify loved ones much faster, providing peace of mind when every minute counts.
Protect someone you love and give yourself peace of mind that should an accident or medical event occur, you can be contacted without delay.
www.emergencycards.co.nz...
Data sourced from www.transport.govt.nz...
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