Fire Permit
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 they are not carried out carefully and responsibly.
The Hurunui District Council is responsible, as the Rural Fire Authority for the dstrict, for ensuring any such danger is minimised.
We do this by requiring you to apply for a Fire Permit when there is a high danger risk and providing advice on how to carry out a safer burn in these conditions.
A Fire Permit is a legal document authorising a person to light a fire, under the conditions set out in that Permit. It does not remove your responsibility to conduct a safe burn.
Anyone wanting to burn outside in the open air during a "Restricted Fire Season" or a "Prohibited Fire Season" must have one.
About your Fire Permit
- Fire Permits are not normally issued over the phone; a Rural Fire Officer authorised by Hurunui District Council will need to inspect your burn site to determine if one should be issued.
- 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.
- There a a number of things for Fire Permit holders to consider
- Fire fighting is a costly operation that is partly funded by our ratepayers. Preventing fires will keep rates down.
- If you cause a 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
The Hurunui District Council Rural Fire Authority covers all of the Hurunui District except for;
- Urban Fire Districts (New Zealand Fire Service Brigade present in township)
- Department of Conservation (DOC) land
- A 1 km fire margin around DOC land and reserves
- A 1km fire margin around approximately 70% of the Hurunui District coastline
- The Ashley Rural Fire Authority district (Balmoral Forest)
Make sure you know which Fire Authority Jurisdiction you are in.
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 the Council on ph: 03 314 8816.