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Fire risk very high
Take great care with anything that could cause a
fire, warns Keith Marshall, the Christchurch City
Council’s Principal Rural Fire Officer. Grass and
scrub in and around the city is extremely dry and
the smallest mistake could quickly become a tragedy. “We’ve had a few real scares in the last few
weeks and everyone really needs to take care,” Mr
Marshall says. “Don’t be careless with anything
that might light a fire in the first place and we
especially need to watch young people with
matches and lighters.” Christchurch has a total fire ban, which is likely to
remain at least until the end of April. Anything other
than a gas-fired barbeque around the home, and
within reach of a garden hose, is a potential risk. “Another thing to remember is to report any
fire, or anything that looks like a fire,
immediately,” Mr Marshall says. “Don’t assume
someone else is doing it. The fuel’s so ready, if
one gets away it won’t be a little spot fire. It’ll be a
big one, particularly if there’s any wind. “Even if we get a couple of day’s drizzle or rain,
it won’t fix it because another couple of fine days
and it’s ready to go again,” Mr Marshall says. “Until
the grass is green again there’s every likelihood of
more fires.” |