Minister launches our new fire danger tool which answers the question – can I light a fire?

A key element in this summer’s wildfire prevention campaign is the new fire danger tool, which was launched over the weekend by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Jan Tinetti in Mount Maunganui.

The Minister spoke about the importance of the innovative tool in reducing the risk of wildfires this season as the weather gets hotter, and drier.

The fire danger tool was made live and is being promoted for the public to use over the summer break, as the peak of wildfire season gets closer.

The tool is a ‘one-stop-shop’ that offers a user-friendly solution to the most commonly searched question on checkitsalright.nz – can I light a fire?

National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery Steve Turek says, “The tool helps to meet the needs of our target audiences for the campaign to help encourage the right fire behavior.”

“Users will have access to live fire danger and fire season status based on where they are and what kind of fire type or activity they’ve planned, like lighting a camp fire or operating farming machinery. They’ll be given clear guidance on whether they can light a fire or not, and whether a permit is needed based on the local fire danger level.”

“We collaborated with our regional campaign working group on the development, and they provided invaluable insights which helped drive key functions of the fire danger tool,” says Steve.

Information on the tool also encourages users with actions to take to help reduce the risk of unwanted fire based on what they’re planning.

The tool uses NIWA’s 5-day fire danger forecast to guide the public on the best day for their planned fire or activity and even recommend a postponement day with a lower danger level. Users are also reminded to revisit checkitsalright.nz on the day of their planned fire and activity for the latest fire season status, as this may have changed.

The summer wildfire prevention campaign ramps up this week to target domestic tourists as well as the general public on TV, radio, print publications, digital, social and outdoor advertising. Native birds have once again starred as the campaign’s spokespeople, as a motivation to the public to keep their habitat safe.

(L-R) Region Manager - David Guard, Rural Controller - Jamie Rhodes, Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Jan Tinetti, Rural Recruit Firefighter - Acacia Wakefield, Senior Firefighter - Tracy Rhodes, Recruit Firefighter - Dan Wallwork
Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Jan Tinetti hops into one of our appliances	New volunteer recruit, Acacia Wakefield shows Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Jan Tinetti around our new appliance

Visit www.checkitsalright.nz(external link) to check-out the new fire danger tool.