Fire Permit

Why you need a permit for a burn-off

Open air fires can easily get out of control and are potentially very dangerous. They can put people's lives, buildings, homes, livestock and crops at risk, if it is not carried out carefully and responsibly. We have the responsibility as the Rural Fire Authority for the Hurunui District, to ensure that any such danger is minimised.

We do this by requiring you to apply for a Fire Permit when you want to undertake a controlled burn-off on your land and by providing advice on how to carry out a safer burn.

What is a Fire Permit?

It is a legal document that authorises a person to light a fire, under the conditions set out in that permit. 

The responsibility to conduct a safe burn is still yours

Because we are a rural area, we have what is called a restricted season for fires. That means a permit is required for all fires lit in the open air.

About your Fire Permit

Your permit is issued based on telephone information given by you or your agents. If that information is incorrect or false the permit is automatically cancelled.

Don't light the fire until you receive the Permit as there may be special conditions attached. Read the Permit carefully before lighting your fire.

We work in cooperation with the NZ Fire Service in the Hurunui District area.

Fire fighting is a costly operation that is partly funded by our ratepayers. Preventing fires will keep rates down.

If you cause a rural fire you may be charged for the cost of extinguishing it. If the NZ Fire Service assists they may also charge and this cost may also be passed on to you.

Safety precautions or controlled burns

Never leave fires unattended:

• Ensure the fire is a safe distance from flammable objects such as houses, buildings and shelter belts. If necessary cut fire breaks wide enough to prevent fires jumping.
• Don't allow dense smoke to drift over roads.It is an offense to cause a smoke nuisance to other people. It can also be dangerous and the visibility problem it creates has caused road deaths.
• Don't start a fire under windy, gusty conditions- change of wind direction is the most common cause of fires getting out of control. Check weather conditions before starting a burn. If in doubt delay the burn.
• Sparks and embers can carry quite a distance so be alert for spot fires started by flying sparks.
• Have tools and water at the fire site to contain the fire quickly if necessary. Fires grow rapidly and delays in fire fighting reduce the chance of controlling the fire.
• Check that neighbours are available in case you need extra help.
• Only light as much fuel as you can safely control.
• When the burn is finished speed up final extinguishing by raking up smouldering ash or burned debris away from the edges of the burn area.
• Fires can remain dormant for long periods underground and may rekindle when fire hazard conditions are extreme. Reigniting of controlled burns is the cause of serious problems.
• Notify your neighbours if you are lighting a fire.
• Have access to a phone for calling 111.

Fires spread quickly, act fast if anything goes wrong.
Call the NZ Fire Service on the '111' emergency number immediately

For more information please contact Council's offices, phone 03 314 9181.