Southland District Council News

Fire Restrictions Lifted

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:16:06 +1200

The Southern RFA lifted fire restrictions for Zone A across the rural fire district on Wednesday 28 April 2010. Zone B remains in a Restricted Fire Season and Naseby Zone in a Prohibited Fire Season in conjunction with Central Otago DC and DOC Otago.

New Fire Depot for Blackmount VRFF

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:18:12 +1200

The Southern RFA has raised funding to build a new fire depot for the Blackmount VRFF firefighters and medical responders. Work is underway with the majority of structural and construction work scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2010.

Training

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:17:32 +1200

Volunteers from throughout the Southern RFA took part in a practical building fire fighting training course on 24 April 2010. NZ Fire Service trainers ran the training which included burning a derelict house in a forest. Personnel attended from the following Volunteer Rural Fire Forces; Milford Sound, Blackmount, Hedgehope, Drummond, Athol, Beaumont and Garston.

Blackmount depot opened

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:49:29 +1300

The new rural firefighters' depot at Blackmount was opened on Saturday 12 February. Southern Rural Fire Authority principal fire officer Mike Grant said the purpose built building, which has cost about $160,000, was opened by Southland District Council councillor George Harpur and Tuatapere Community Board chair Gray Robertson.

"This project would not have been possible without the significant sponsorship we have received from Meridian's Manapouri-Te Anau Community Fund, the Transpower Community Care Fund, the Community Trust of Southland, the National Rural Fire Authority, Dongwha Patinna and Pub Charities, and the number of small sponsors as well," Mr Grant said.

"It brings together both the rural firefighting team and the medical responders under one roof, and gives them a purpose built home. The team now has the ability to respond to emergencies in the district in a co-ordinated way."

Mr Grant also acknowledged the work of the volunteers, who basically managed any on-site work in the project, and the Robertson family who donated the land where the new depot sits.

The new depot has three bays and an upstairs training room.

The southern authority undertook a review four years ago to look at what was needed in different locations and what it had. The authority has 28 localities in the district, which runs from Beaumont across to Naseby and south, where it has firefighting equipment and/or tankers and trucks. The Blackmount depot is the third building to be either built or upgraded in the district.

Survey results pleasing

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:57:42 +1200

Southern people using the Southern Rural Fire Authority permitting system are generally very happy with the permit process, a survey has shown.

The survey, undertaken by the Southland District Council, contacted 395 residents who had applied for a fire permit from the rural fire authority between 1 January and 31 December 2009.

The residents selected randomly from each of the authority's 16 geographic zones were telephoned over three weeks in February 2010, assistant corporate planner Yvette Paterson said.

"320 completed the survey, 21 declined and 54 were unable to be contacted, giving a response rate of 81% and a margin of error of 5.5%."

More than 80% of respondents were happy with the ease, timeliness, staff helpfulness and understanding of the information for permitting, and the most predominant comment was the need for lengthening the time the fire permit is issued for, Mrs Paterson said.

"Fire messages on the radio and in the newspaper are the main ways the respondents hear about fire information, but it is really pleasing that they have also seen and understood the Fire Danger Today signs on the side of the road."

However, only 50% said the signs influenced their behaviour in relation to lighting fires.

47.2% of the respondents knew from past experience that they needed a fire permit, with radio at 31.6% the second most popular way.

Principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said he was also pleased that 63% of the respondents understood the authority's two zones and also knew what zone they were in.

However, some education was needed to ensure that everyone knows who is responsible for the cost of fighting fires that get out of control.

"We need to reiterate that it is the person lighting a fire in the rural area that must wear the costs for any fire suppression and damage caused from the fire they lit," Mr Grant said.

72% of the respondents said it is solely the person who lit the fire who is responsible but that is not high enough.

"It's good to hear that a large number said they were happy with the process and to keep up the good work. That shows we are on the right track."

New building for Blackmount Rural Fire

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:43:16 +1200

Blackmount rural fire fighters will soon have a new home.

Work has begun on a new rural fire depot at Blackmount on land donated by Brunel Peaks Station and is projected to be completed in about four months.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Mike Grant said the new facility has been two years in the planning and will be a one-stop home for the team, which also includes medical responders in the area.

"This will bring the team out of an engineering workshop where it has been for several years into their own purpose-built places."

The framing has gone up and cladding will be completed in the next few weeks.

The Blackmount team has been generously supported by several organisations, with $20,000 coming from Meridian Energy's Manapouri-Te Anau Community Fund, $20,000 from Transpower's Community Care Fund, up to $40,000 from the Community Trust of Southland, $30,000 from the National Rural Fire Authority and $40,000 from the Southern Rural Fire Authority. Dongwha Pattina has also donated all the wall linings at an estimated value of $20,000.

Total Fire Ban declared

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:25:47 +1300

A total fire ban is in place for all of Southland and parts of the Clutha District covered by the Southern Rural Fire District from 8am tomorrow (Saturday 18 December).

Southern Rural Fire Authority principal fire officer Mike Grant said the ban means that no-one can light any fires in the open and also suspends all existing fire permits.

"People with large piles of debris still burning should be looking to extinguish these immediately," he said.

"The only exception to the ban is for gas barbecues and cookers in properly constructed containers and in safe areas."

The fire ban also applies to all townships within the Southland District, Gore District and Invercargill City and also prohibits people in these towns from burning rubbish, using incinerators, or cooking outdoors with open braziers.

The continued hot and dry weather coupled with warm windy conditions means the fire risk is high to very high throughout most of Southland.

While some rain is forecast over the next few days it is not predicted to be sufficient to significantly drop fire danger levels.

"With weather conditions predicted to continue and reduced vegetation moisture, it will rapidly push the fire danger into the extreme range," Mr Grant said.

"The ban has been imposed for public safety".

The Te Anau basin and northern Southland is particularly dry, with large areas of grassland drying rapidly. Dry and dead vegetation creates more fuel for fires making fire fighting more difficult and dangerous.

Significant rain is needed over an extended period before the ban would be lifted.

Activities such as chain sawing or using machinery like mowers or tractors, are also potentially hazardous, he said.

"Anyone using machinery in dry grass should have water on hand to dampen down the area beforehand and to extinguish any sparks," he said.

"If areas continue to dry out, restrictions could be imposed on activities which have a high risk of causing fires."

Fire ban to be lifted

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:19:59 +1300

The total fire ban covering the Southern Rural Fire District, excluding the Naseby area, is to be lifted on Monday at 9am after this week's rain eased the fire danger.

Southern Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Elton Smith said a restricted fire season will be imposed across Southland, but the total fire ban is still in place in the Naseby area.

The restricted season means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire. Permits do no need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not being within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Those who light fires in the open are responsible for making sure the fires are safe and do not spread, Mr Smith said.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property or has to be put out by the fire service or rural fire crew," he said.

Fires should never be lit when conditions are windy, or strong winds are forecast.

Authority staff issue permits, and it can take up to five days to check the applications, particularly if a site inspection is required, so Mr Smith urges people to think ahead if they plan to burn off.

Fire on southern coast under control

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:29:59 +1300

Fire crews have several fires under control around the area of a fire which destroyed part of Rarakau Lodge near Tuatapere on Saturday night.

Southern Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Elton Smith said three helicopters, three tankers and six ground crews are working on keeping multiple fires under control at the end of the Papatotara Coast Road, about 6km from Tuatapere, this morning.

The fires originated from last night's fire which destroyed a building at Rarakau Lodge, the accommodation from which many people start the Hump Ridge Track.

A car at the car park for the track was also destroyed and about 12 others damaged by heat and fire. A shed and tractor were also damaged by the fire.

Mr Smith said trampers on the track had been asked to stay put for the day, not because they were in any danger from the fire, but because of the work being carried out by firefighters to prevent further spread of the fire.

Trampers are not allowed to enter the track today because of that work.

"The fire is still burning from yesterday and will continue to burn for a few days. It is contained at the moment and fire crews are making it as safe as possible to protect further property," Mr Smith said.

The fire was reported about 6.30pm last night and the cause and the origin are under investigation.

It is estimated about 50 hectares has been damaged.

New roles at the Southern Rural Fire Authority

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:45:11 +1200

Elton Smith is the new Operations Co-ordinator for the Southern Rural Fire Authority, after a restructure.

Mr Smith has worked at the Southern Rural Fire Authority for the last seven years as the Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer. His new role will focus on the co-ordination of programmes for assets and equipment, health and safety, health and fitness, risk assessment, prevention planning and fire investigation.

"Portions of my new position are the same as my old job. However, there is now more scope to focus on particular portfolios in detail. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead," Mr Smith said.

The change in structure is a result of additional funding becoming available, enabling the Southern Rural Fire Authority to employ a third full-time member to the team.

Chief Executive Mike Grant said that the need for a third employee had been identified eight years ago during the organisation's establishment and the new structure will allow the Southern Rural Fire Authority to carry out its work with increased efficiency and enhanced service delivery to communities.

"The amended structure will help to balance the workload. We will be recruiting for a Community and Education Co-ordinator shortly," said Mr Grant.

Rural Fire Authority chief at conference in South Africa

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:48:30 +1200

Chief Executive and Principal Rural Fire Officer Mike Grant recently returned from a trip to South Africa where he was one of the delegates from 72 countries attending the 2011 Wildfire Conference at Sun City.

Mr Grant represented the Southern Rural Fire Authority at the four day conference entitled "Addressing Global Change through Integrated Fire Management". The conference looked international fire management policies and their greater effect on the atmosphere, the climate and on human health.

"The Wildfire Conference was a great way of generating international relationships and exchanging information and technology. No matter what environment the other attendees came from, the same principles of fire safety apply," Mr Grant said.

The conference was preceded by a Firewise Community Workshop which discussed a method of how to work with communities on fire safety, how to make communities aware of fire issues and of ways to mitigate fire risk. The workshop complimented a recent social research project carried out by the Southern Rural Fire Authority on engaging rural communities with fire safety.

"This workshop provided us with another tool that we can use to best work with our communities," Mr Grant said. "South Africa and New Zealand share a similar rural fire management structure with larger entities in South Africa being formed to co-ordinate rural fire activities similar to the Southern Rural Fire Authority."

Afterwards, there was a two week study tour of national parks, conservation organisations, forest companies and wild land fire authorities to observe and learn first-hand how they operate in order to see what might work in New Zealand.

Mr Grant was one of eight fire managers from New Zealand who attended the conference and various study tours.

Official opening of the Waikawa fire depot

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:39:14 +1300

The official opening of the Waikawa fire depot took place recently, providing the community with an opportunity to visit the depot and recognise the work carried out by the voluntary fire force.

The depot was originally an old school bus shed before ownership was transferred from Southland District Council to the Southern Rural Fire Authority. A refurbishment of the building was funded by the Southern Rural Fire Authority and grants from the Mataura Licensing Trust and the National Rural Fire Authority. The building was upgraded and extended, allowing for the depot's fire appliance to be adequately stored.

There are currently 12 voluntary members on the Waikawa volunteer rural fire force and their long standing service was recognised on the day in front of family and friends. All members were presented with service medals by operations co-ordinator of the Southern Rural Fire Authority Elton Smith who serves as a committee member on the Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand.

Chief executive of the Southern Rural Fire Authority Mike Grant said the opening was a fitting tribute to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and thank those involved in supporting the renovation of the Waikawa fire depot.

"It was a day for the community of Waikawa to acknowledge the work that the fire force has done and will continue to do from their very own depot," Mr Grant said.

Names of volunteers who were presented with service medals:

A Stronach

S Olive

M Todd

V Stronach

J Burns

I Woodrow

M Bashford

S Hayes

J Bigger

T Leonard

B Mclean

S Hill

Southern Rural Fire Authority 2011 Awards Ceremony

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:58:12 +1300

The inaugural Southern Rural Fire Authority 2011 Awards Ceremony was held recently in Winton, recognising the hard work and commitment from rural fire fighters and volunteers involved in the fire force.

South Island regional advisor for EMQUAL, Janet Derham presenting David Coveney his National Certificate.

Neil Robertson accepting a fire depot readiness award from Elton Smith for Blackmount Volunteer Rural Fire Force.

NZQA national certificates were presented to:

Warren Heslip

Guy Johnstone

Reece McKenzie

Robert Durling

David Coveney

Neil Robertson

Stewart Whyte

Mike McLees

John Garrett

David Crouchley

Warren Simpson

Derek Dudley

Bryan Duggan

Martin Lennon

Andrew King

Mark Dobbins

Crew leader completion certificates were given to:

John Garrett

David Coveney

Fred Dodson

Hamish Angus

Grant Tremain

Martin Lennon

Andrew King

Fire depot awards were given to:

Category 1 - More than 2 vehicle and/or trailer kits

1^st place - Blackmount VRFF

2^nd place - Milford Sound VRFF

Category 2 - Less than 2 vehicle and/or trailer kits

1^st place - DOC Stewart Island

2^nd place - Drummond VRFF

Individual recognition awards went to:

David Adamson - Queen's Service Medal

Shane Birch - Wally Woofter Award

Des Minehan - Appointment to Rugby Southland Board

FRFANZ service awards were presented to volunteers from Athol, Garston and Blackmount.

Blackmount

Mike O'Brien founding member 1982 - 29 years service

Neil Robertson founding member 1982 - 29 years service

Frank O'Brien founding member 1982 - 29 years service

Mike McLees joined 1986 - 25 years service

Peter Baker joined 1989 - 22 years service

Steve McGimpsey joined 2000 - 11 years service

Stewart Whyte joined 2002 - 9 years service

David Coveney joined 2004 - 7 years service

Nicki Baker joined 2007 - 4 years service

Donna Robertson joined 2007 - 4 years service

Jackie Howden joined 2007 - 4 years service

Chris Howden joined 2007 - 4 years service

Liz Grey joined 2007 - 4 years service

Richard Slee joined 2007 - 4 years service

ATHOL

Winston Soper founding member 1972 - 39 years service

John Turnhout joined 1996 - 15 years service retiring 2011 aged 76

Robert Durling joined 1997 - 14 years service of service awards

Shane Woods served 2003 - 2004, rejoined 2005 - 7years service

Barry Skilling joined

Carrol Skilling joined

Maurice King joined Athol 2009 and served Makarora previously - 6 ½ years service

GARSTON

Peter Naylor founding member 1981 - 30 years service

Terrence McNamee joined 1984 - 27 years service

Bob Hume joined 1994 - 17 years service

Graham Hume joined 1994 - 17 years service

Noel McMillan joined 1999 - 12 years service (previously St Johns before this)

Peter Sim joined 2000 - 11 years service

Tom O'Brien served 1995 - 1998, rejoined 2004 - 10 years service

John Turnhout with his special award for dedicated service.

Sue Larson accepting a fire depot readiness award for DOC Stewart Island.

Introducing Sally Chesterfield

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:08:54 +1300

Sally Chesterfield is the Southern Rural Fire Authority's new Community and Education Coordinator. Her role is to raise public awareness around fire and engage the community in active discussion about the importance of fire prevention in their area. Ms Chesterfield will be supporting existing rural communities and building relationships with those who use fire in Southland.

"One of the rural fire's roles is to prevent out of control fires from occurring. I hope to work with communities and groups to identify any problem areas and help people to understand their fire need and ensure burning can happen safely," said Ms Chesterfield.

She will also concentrate on ensuring people know what the Southern Rural Fire Authority does and the organisation is different from the fire brigades in town. Ms Chesterfield is also keen for involvement from the community and would be delighted to hear any ideas or concerns.

For more information contact:

Sally Chesterfield - Community and Education Coordinator

Southern Rural Fire Authority

Phone: (0800) 732 732

Mobile: 027 603 1102

First Word

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:51:56 +1300

Chief Executive of Southern Rural Fire Authority Mike Grant was recently interviewed on First Word, Southland District Council's radio programme broadcast on Radio Southland 96.4FM. Mr Grant spoke about the role of the Southern Rural Fire Authority and fire safety in the lead up to the summer season.

Listen to Mr Grant's interview on First Word.

Restricted Fire Season declared

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:07:37 +1300

A restricted fire season for the whole of the Southern Rural Fire District is to be declared tomorrow (Saturday 10 December) because of the increasing risk of fire.

Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said vegetation moisture levels had reduced to trigger points that meant significant fires were more likely to happen and would be harder to extinguish. Restrictions are normal this time every year, largely for public safety.

The recent spell of weather including low relative humidity, temperatures in the high 20s and dry winds, has significantly changed the potential for rural fires. With the short term weather forecast predicting more of the same, a higher level of planning and care is now required for everyone considering undertaking any burning.

A restricted fire season means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire. Permits do not need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not being within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Those who light fires in the open are responsible for making sure the fires are safe and do not spread, Mr Grant said. They are also liable for any damage caused by the fire.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property" he said. "Also be aware and considerate of smoke drift across roads and into neighbouring properties. If the fire has to be extinguished by the fire service or a rural fire crew, you will be charged the fire fighting costs."

Fires should never be lit when conditions are windy, or strong winds are forecast.

The Southern Rural Fire Authority staff issue permits, but it can take up to five days to check the applications, particularly if a site inspection is required, so Mr Grant urges people to think ahead if they plan to burn off.

"With Christmas coming up, it is even more vital to plan ahead as no permits will be issued over the holiday period."

Total fire ban over Southland Rural Fire District

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:49:53 +1300

A total fire ban for all of Southland and parts of the Clutha District covered by the Southern Rural Fire Authority will be in place from 8am today (Thursday 5 January). The ban means that no one can light any fires in the open and also suspends all existing fire permits. Principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said people with large piles of debris still burning should put these out immediately. "The only exception to the ban is for gas barbecues and cookers in properly constructed containers and in safe areas," Mr Grant said.

The fire ban also applies to all townships within the Southland District, Gore District and Invercargill City and also prohibits people in these towns from burning rubbish, using incinerators, or cooking outdoors with open braziers or hangis.

Because of the continued hot and dry weather and the warm wind, the fire risk is very high to extreme throughout most of Southland. While some rain is forecast for the next few days it is not predicted to be sufficient to significantly drop fire danger levels.

"With weather conditions predicted to continue and reduced vegetation moisture, it will rapidly elevate the fire danger further," he said. "The ban has been imposed for public safety".

Activities, such as chain sawing or using machinery like mowers or tractors, are also potentially hazardous.

"Several recent fires have started from people using machinery in dry grass and roadsides. There is a lot more dead grass than normal so everyone needs to be particularly careful and have water on hand to dampen down the area beforehand and to extinguish any fires starting from sparks. If areas continue to dry out, restrictions could be imposed on activities which have a high risk of causing fires," he said.

Significant rain over an extended period is needed before the ban would be lifted.

Stubble burning allowed under ban variation

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:20:49 +1300

The Southern Rural Fire Authority is making an exemption to the fire ban for stubble burning starting tomorrow, Saturday 11 February.

Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said the authority recognises fire is a valuable tool for farmers and as the fire danger is temporarily reduced, will issue special permits for the burning of stubble.

"People planning to burn crop stubble are advised to plan well ahead as an inspection of the site may be required prior to a special fire permit being issued," Mr Grant said.

"People need to ensure they comply with the permit conditions to ensure they burn safely and keep their property and families safe."

It is unusual for an exemption to be issued during a fire ban but Southland is experiencing an unusual summer and rain has eased conditions, allowing the authority to work with cropping farmers to manage residual stubble. The fire ban remains in place across Southland for all other burning activities.

If you are going to carry out a stubble burn, keep yourself safe by:

The clothing you wear, as synthetic materials can melt and can cause severe injuries. Arms and legs should be covered with cotton or wool clothing.

Planning how you are going to burn to ensure the weather conditions, fire breaks and methods for lighting up are right.

Planning for the worst case, so you have adequate resources to control the fire if things don't go to plan and escape routes if necessary

Most importantly be flexible, if the weather changes during a burn, or the day is not right when you plan to burn, change your plans to suit the weather.

To obtain a special permit to burn, contact the Southern Rural Fire Authority on 0800 773 363.

Fire ban to be lifted

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:48:40 +1300

Recent rain has eased the fire danger so the fire ban across Southland will be lifted on Saturday (February 25). A total fire ban will remain in place in the Naseby area. Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said a restricted fire season will be put in place across the province, which means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire.

During a restricted season, permits do not need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not being within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Anyone who lights a fire in the open is responsible for making sure the fire is safe and does not spread, Mr Grant said.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property or has to be put out by the fire service or a rural fire crew," he said.

Authority staff are available to help with advice for landowners on fire safety and Mr Grant urges people to consider possible risks and impact of their fire and to take all necessary precautions to ensure it is safe at all times.

Fires should never be lit when it is windy, or strong winds are forecast.

Fire permit applications can be made by phoning 0800 773 363.