Chch Council extends city fire ban

The Christchurch City Council is banning lighting of outdoor fires across all areas of the city from this weekend.

"A restricted fire season has been in place for rural parts of the city and Banks Peninsula since December 21 but, given the ongoing dry conditions, there will be a total ban introduced from the weekend," says Murray Sinclair, Christchurch City Councils Manager Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

The ban comes into effect from midnight on Saturday 10 January 2015.

Outdoor fires are already banned in urban areas of the city.

People can use gas barbecues as long as they are careful and have access to a reliable water supply, Mr Sinclair says.

"The ban applies to lighting of fires and using charcoal barbecues and other devices that use solid fuel," Mr Sinclair says.

"One of the biggest risks is from sparks, so we ask people to take extra care when mowing lawns. In the heat of the day, it doesnt take much for a spark from a mower hitting a stone to turn into a significant fire. Because of the dry conditions, people should do their mowing early in the day when there is still moisture from any dew, or on overcast days."

The fire bans will remain in place until further notice.

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Chch Council extends city fire ban