Be aware of the fire danger

As summer progresses, the fire risk continues to go up and routine activities that wouldn’t usually cause any problems can sometimes result in a 111 call and a visit from your local fire brigade.

If you’re a farmer, contractor, land manager, lifestyler or a tradie who works in the country or the edge of town, here are a few tips to avoid having to make that 111 call.

 ·         Be aware of the fire danger – it’s easy to check on https://firedanger.niwa.co.nz just click on your area and if the fire danger is orange (very high) or red (extreme), avoid operating equipment that can cause sparks.

·         Take care parking on long dry grass or stubble. The heat from your exhaust can ignite vegetation very easily.

·         Keep a fire extinguisher, shovel or a backpack sprayer with water handy

·         Keep your machinery well maintained and make sure the bearings and moving parts aren’t causing sparks.

·         Check for birds nests in and around motors, and clear any build up of oil, dust, grease, grass and straw.

·         Check for mechanical defects that could start a fire and make sure your equipment has approved exhaust systems and spark arresters.

 Hot work is any job that involves using tools that could start a fire. This would include things like welding, grinding and cutting.

 ·         When the fire danger is very high or extreme, stop using welders, chainsaws, slashers and some tractor operations that can create sparks.

·         Don’t do hot work outdoors in a prohibited fire season unless you have a special permit.

·         Where possible, do hot work indoors in a safe location, like a welding bay. If this isn’t possible, be sure to move any fire hazards or flammable material out of the area before you start work.

·         30 minutes after you’ve finished hot work, make a final check for any hot spots that could cause a fire

·         Keep firefighting equipment on hand and know how to use it.

Source: FENZ