Survey results pleasing

Posted on 11 June 2010

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."