9 Mar 2010

Water shortage may hamper Far North firefighters

9:40 am on 9 March 2010

The Fire Service says it may not be able to put out house fires if the severe water shortage continues in the Far North.

Kaitaia Fire Service chief Colin Kitchen says the fire brigade relies on mains pressure for its pumps, and the council has already been forced to reduce pressure to conserve water.

He says that if the worst happened, the brigade may have to forget about saving a building, and work on stopping it from spreading.

Mr Kitchen says that if fire engulfed a store on Kaitaia's main street, the brigade might have to focus on saving shops on either side.

He says shopkeepers and homeowners can minimise the risk by checking smoke alarms, and keeping a fire extinguisher handy.

Drought alert back

The Far North District Council is reinstating its drought alert.

It says water levels have reached dangerously low levels again, despite recent rain and people conserving the supply.

Residents could find their water cut off or face fines of up to $20,000 if they breach water restrictions.

A total of 21 staff from the council will police the rules which include prohibiting washing cars, trucks or houses with anything other than a bucket, no watering gardens except with grey water and no filling or topping up pools or spas.