17 Dec 2011

Open-air fires now banned

10:11 am on 17 December 2011

Open-air fires are banned in Christchurch and surrounding districts from Saturday until further notice.

As well as the city, the ban covers Brooklands, New Brighton, Sumner, Lyttelton, Governors Bay, Diamond Harbour, Little River and Akaroa.

Christchurch City Council says properly supervised gas barbecues or hangi are exempt from the ban, but there must be a nearby hose connected to a water supply.

The council says anyone lighting any other type of fire on their premises - including solid fuel burning in a brazier - could be fined up to $20,000.