FIRE RISK FROM UNCLEARED SECTIONS

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 110, 5 March 1954, Page 4

FIRE RISK FROM UNCLEARED SECTIONS

REVERTING to the subject of fire hazards in the Taupo Country, dealt with editorially in our previous issue, it would seem pertinent and timely to stress also the necessity for dealing with the problem of uncleared sections. This question was touched on at the last meeting of the Taupo Borough Council during a discussion on a suggestion from the Urban Fire Committee that a fire rate should be struek as a measure to strengthen the finances, equipment and resources of the Fire Brigade. The suggestion was regarded somewhat critically by some speakers, among them being Councillor Vedder, who made a point meriting full consideration when he urged that the Council should deal more effectively with the problem of uncleared sections. There can be no argument about the fact that uncleared sections in the residential area are a definite fire menace to neighbouring residences. The Borough Council has power to compel owners of these sections to clear them. Apparently, however, this authority is only exercised when a complaint is lodged by a property owner that an uncleared section in his vicinity constitutes a serious danger from fire. In other words, the responsibility for initiating action to deal with a fire menace of this kind is, by implication, placed upon the individual, when in fact it rests upon the Council. It is not right that the individual citizen should be placed in the in-

vidious position of risking unpleasantness with a neighbouring property owner, and possibly being accused of "snooping," simply because the latter has neglected to discharge what in fact is a personal reponsibility to the community as a whole. If a fire broke out in an uncleared section during a dry spell and in a high wind not only adjoining buildings, but others over an extensive area also, might be destroyed. It is the plain duty of the Borough Council therefore to take up this problem of uncleared sections in a comprehensive spirit and initiate proceedings accordingly. Section 20 of the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act, as pointed out in a news article in the "Times" last week, amends Section 273 of the principal Act and enables a borough council to require the removal of any gorse, broom, scrub, etc., whieh is likely to cause a fire hazard. A notice may be served under the hand of the Mayor or the Town Clerk. The occupier or owner can within ten days appeal toi a Magistrate to have the order set aside. The Magistrate's decision is final. If the occupier or owner does not appeal, he shall carry out the work within 14 days of service of notice, or if he appeals carry out the work within 14 days of the Magistrate's decision if it is against him. The fire hazard in Taupo from uncleared sections presents a strong case for appropriate action in accordance with this procedure.