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Desley Simpson: Summer Fire Safety Alert: New Restrictions Protect Auckland Communities

As the world watched in horror at the devastating fires that ripped through greater Los Angeles in January it’s caused many to re look at preventative fire measures at home.

Auckland is currently at the height of summer and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have been positive in introducing new fire restrictions to safeguard our many communities across the region. These measures, effective from January 16, are a proactive response to the heightened wildfire risk posed by soaring temperatures and dry conditions across Tāmaki Makaurau.

The restrictions cover several districts, with outdoor fires now limited in Waitematā, Auckland City, and Counties Manukau. In the Hauraki Gulf, even stricter measures are in place, with a complete fire ban. These precautions underscore the severity of fire hazards during the summer months and aim to protect lives, properties, and natural environments.

Why Are These Restrictions Necessary?

Current weather conditions have created a high-risk environment for fires. While some rainfall is forecasted, experts caution that it will not be enough to offset the prolonged dry spell. Vegetation such as mānuka and kānuka, along with grasslands and forests, become especially flammable in these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.

The new measures require residents to obtain permits for all outdoor fires, including those for camping, cooking, or disposing of garden waste.

Open fires are now prohibited in all public spaces, including beaches, foreshores, parks, conservation areas, and forests. Additionally, fireworks are banned in public areas to prevent accidental fires.

How Can We Stay Safe?

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging Aucklanders and visitors to adopt fire-safe practices during the summer. This includes avoiding activities that may generate sparks and using established barbecue facilities in parks and beaches, as portable barbecues are currently restricted.

Community vigilance is critical. Residents are encouraged to treat fire risk assessments as a routine part of planning outdoor activities, much like checking the weather forecast. Any signs of smoke or fire should be reported immediately by calling 111.

While these restrictions may require some adjustments to summer traditions, they are vital for protecting communities and the environment. By adhering to the guidelines and obtaining necessary permits, residents can still enjoy outdoor activities safely.

Regularly checking checkitsalright.nz ensures you stay informed about current restrictions and can plan activities accordingly.

Protecting Auckland Together

When it comes to fire safety, prevention and compliance are our strongest defences. Stay informed, follow the rules, and together, we can protect our region from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

These fire restrictions remind us of our collective responsibility.

Remember: A little caution goes a long way in keeping Auckland safe this summer. Wind, high temperatures, and little rainfall can leave trees, shrubs and fallen leaves dried out and primed to fuel a fire, resulting in a trail of devastation. Let’s not let Auckland succumb to awful fire tragedy like we have seen in Los Angeles where thousands of residents have been evacuated, homes and ecosystems destroyed, and many lives lost.

Together let’s do everything we can to make our great city ‘fire safe.’

Photography: Auckland Press


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4 comments

Regarding the serious fire consuming Mangere Mountain
we have received elegantly worded documents from the TMA , & their agencies these documents enlist the plans and protocols of restoration of Aucklands volcanic cones. these Documents Present on the face value a Rosy picture, claiming successful execution of those plans,
NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!! the Residents of the community’s that live around Aucklands mountains , in this case Mangere Mountain, Have witnessed a Vandalizing & Brutal destruction of Mangere Mountains ecology By the TMA at a cost of in excess of $900,000 mature trees over 3m in height removed without individual professional arboreal assessment, contrary to unity plan, we have seen the mountain fall silent of wild life roosting birds Ruru ect gone, we witness the smothering of archeological sites by a thick Blanket of Rat infested Kykuyu grass, which has created a significant fire hazard, This fire hazard made clearly evident this weekend . whatever the fire cause the fact is the Tupuna Maunga Authority in it,s management policy has facilitated a hazardous buildup of dry kykuyu straw, this policy of environmental destruction with its catastrophic fire threat to homes and businesses is to be implemented upon every volcanic cone in residential Auckland.c
the restoration plantings to date have failed due to neglect, drought being the forwarded excuse, the most elementary horticultural knowledge is aware that young plantings need constant care!, Mangere Mountain lays weather blasted & shelter less this is the REAL experience of the community that lives around the mountain, NO ONE IN COUNCIL seems to be listening to the electorate there seems to be a REAL disconnect between the council agencies & the electorate those authorities accepting verbatim the Hubris of self congratulary elegantly written documentation put out by the TMA.
What other city in the developed world would destroy its inner city arboretums and claim international recognition for those defiled green spaces!

Barry Down,

Regarding the serious fire consuming Mangere Mountain
we have received elegantly worded documents from the TMA , & their agencies these documents enlist the plans and protocols of restoration of Aucklands volcanic cones. these Documents Present on the face value a Rosy picture, claiming successful execution of those plans,
NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!! the Residents of the community’s that live around Aucklands mountains , in this case Mangere Mountain, Have witnessed a Vandalizing & Brutal destruction of Mangere Mountains ecology By the TMA at a cost of in excess of $900,000 mature trees over 3m in height removed without individual professional arboreal assessment, contrary to unity plan, we have seen the mountain fall silent of wild life roosting birds Ruru ect gone, we witness the smothering of archeological sites by a thick Blanket of Rat infested Kykuyu grass, which has created a significant fire hazard, This fire hazard made clearly evident this weekend . whatever the fire cause the fact is the Tupuna Maunga Authority in it,s management policy has facilitated a hazardous buildup of dry kykuyu straw, this policy of environmental destruction with its catastrophic fire threat to homes and businesses is to be implemented upon every volcanic cone in residential Auckland.c
the restoration plantings to date have failed due to neglect, drought being the forwarded excuse, the most elementary horticultural knowledge is aware that young plantings need constant care!, Mangere Mountain lays weather blasted & shelter less this is the REAL experience of the community that lives around the mountain, NO ONE IN COUNCIL seems to be listening to the electorate there seems to be a REAL disconnect between the council agencies & the electorate those authorities accepting verbatim the Hubris of self congratulary elegantly written documentation put out by the TMA.
What other city in the developed world would destroy its inner city arboretums and claim international recognition for those defiled green spaces!

Regarding the serious fire consuming Mangere Mountain
we have received elegantly worded documents from the TMA , & their agencies these documents enlist the plans and protocols of restoration of Aucklands volcanic cones. these Documents Present on the face value a Rosy picture, claiming successful execution of those plans,
NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!! the Residents of the community’s that live around Aucklands mountains , in this case Mangere Mountain, Have witnessed a Vandalizing & Brutal destruction of Mangere Mountains ecology By the TMA at a cost of in excess of $900,000 mature trees over 3m in height removed without individual professional arboreal assessment, contrary to unity plan, we have seen the mountain fall silent of wild life roosting birds Ruru ect gone, we witness the smothering of archeological sites by a thick Blanket of Rat infested Kykuyu grass, which has created a significant fire hazard, This fire hazard made clearly evident this weekend . whatever the fire cause the fact is the Tupuna Maunga Authority in it,s management policy has facilitated a hazardous buildup of dry kykuyu straw, this policy of environmental destruction with its catastrophic fire threat to homes and businesses is to be implemented upon every volcanic cone in residential Auckland.c
the restoration plantings to date have failed due to neglect, drought being the forwarded excuse, the most elementary horticultural knowledge is aware that young plantings need constant care!, Mangere Mountain lays weather blasted & shelter less this is the REAL experience of the community that lives around the mountain, NO ONE IN COUNCIL seems to be listening to the electorate there seems to be a REAL disconnect between the council agencies & the electorate those authorities accepting verbatim the Hubris of self congratulary elegantly written documentation put out by the TMA.
What other city in the developed world would destroy its inner city arboretums and claim international recognition for those defiled green spaces!

Barry Down,

Regarding the serious fire consuming Mangere Mountain
we have received elegantly worded documents from the TMA , & their agencies these documents enlist the plans and protocols of restoration of Aucklands volcanic cones. these Documents Present on the face value a Rosy picture, claiming successful execution of those plans,
NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!! the Residents of the community’s that live around Aucklands mountains , in this case Mangere Mountain, Have witnessed a Vandalizing & Brutal destruction of Mangere Mountains ecology By the TMA at a cost of in excess of $900,000 mature trees over 3m in height removed without individual professional arboreal assessment, contrary to unity plan, we have seen the mountain fall silent of wild life roosting birds Ruru ect gone, we witness the smothering of archeological sites by a thick Blanket of Rat infested Kykuyu grass, which has created a significant fire hazard, This fire hazard made clearly evident this weekend . whatever the fire cause the fact is the Tupuna Maunga Authority in it,s management policy has facilitated a hazardous buildup of dry kykuyu straw, this policy of environmental destruction with its catastrophic fire threat to homes and businesses is to be implemented upon every volcanic cone in residential Auckland.c
the restoration plantings to date have failed due to neglect, drought being the forwarded excuse, the most elementary horticultural knowledge is aware that young plantings need constant care!, Mangere Mountain lays weather blasted & shelter less this is the REAL experience of the community that lives around the mountain, NO ONE IN COUNCIL seems to be listening to the electorate there seems to be a REAL disconnect between the council agencies & the electorate those authorities accepting verbatim the Hubris of self congratulary elegantly written documentation put out by the TMA.
What other city in the developed world would destroy its inner city arboretums and claim international recognition for those defiled green spaces!

Regarding the serious fire consuming Mangere Mountain
we have received elegantly worded documents from the TMA , & their agencies these documents enlist the plans and protocols of restoration of Aucklands volcanic cones. these Documents Present on the face value a Rosy picture, claiming successful execution of those plans,
NOTHING CAN BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!! the Residents of the community’s that live around Aucklands mountains , in this case Mangere Mountain, Have witnessed a Vandalizing & Brutal destruction of Mangere Mountains ecology By the TMA at a cost of in excess of $900,000 mature trees over 3m in height removed without individual professional arboreal assessment, contrary to unity plan, we have seen the mountain fall silent of wild life roosting birds Ruru ect gone, we witness the smothering of archeological sites by a thick Blanket of Rat infested Kykuyu grass, which has created a significant fire hazard, This fire hazard made clearly evident this weekend . whatever the fire cause the fact is the Tupuna Maunga Authority in it,s management policy has facilitated a hazardous buildup of dry kykuyu straw, this policy of environmental destruction with its catastrophic fire threat to homes and businesses is to be implemented upon every volcanic cone in residential Auckland.c
the restoration plantings to date have failed due to neglect, drought being the forwarded excuse, the most elementary horticultural knowledge is aware that young plantings need constant care!, Mangere Mountain lays weather blasted & shelter less this is the REAL experience of the community that lives around the mountain, NO ONE IN COUNCIL seems to be listening to the electorate there seems to be a REAL disconnect between the council agencies & the electorate those authorities accepting verbatim the Hubris of self congratulary elegantly written documentation put out by the TMA.
What other city in the developed world would destroy its inner city arboretums and claim international recognition for those defiled green spaces!

Barry Down,

Mangere Mountain where the Tupuna Maunga Authority has let the grass grow long and it gets very dry in the Summer. They have removed the so called “exotic trees” but not the African kikuyu grass. Bird habitat has gone. The cows who used to keep the grass short have been removed.
There was a huge fire there Sunday 19 January. I would share a photo here if I could. I can however share a post from Facebook for those able to see the Mangere Bridge Community Noticeboard page https://www.facebook.com/groups/177912915749754/permalink/2695399780667709/

Gael Baldock,

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