Open fires
Open fires e.g. rubbish or garden may be prohibited or restricted in your area. Check with your local council before lighting such fires as conditions may apply.
If you light fires you are required to supervise them at all times and have a means of extinguishing the fire, at the scene, available at all times.
For rural areas - a few tips
- Keep the grass green, mown, or grazed around your home
- Ensure that your property is easily identified
- Keep a hose connected (one that can reach round the house)
- Ensure that your driveway has at least 4 metres clearance (both width and height) and adequate turn round area for large vehicles
- Ensure that water supplies are accessible and clearly marked
- Ensure easy access to water supplies and make sure they are signposted
- Live in a safety zone by ensuring any dead or flammable plants and trees are removed and replaced with low flammable species
- Store firewood and other flammable materials away from the house
- Isolate flammable liquids
- Maintain machinery and equipment in safe working order
- Dispose of ash safely in a metal container and use approved incinerators
- Install multipurpose dry powder extinguishers in the house and outbuildings
Exessive smoke or smells
Excessive smoke or smells may result in action being taken under the Resource Management Act.
Fire Restrictions/Bans
In times of extreme fire risk, local authorities may impose a restricted or total fire ban. Such restrictions will be advertised in the daily newspapers. The lighting of any fire during a total fire ban may result in prosecution and/or the property owner facing costs to extinguish the fire. Check with your local council.
Escape Plan
All householders are encouraged to develop their own escape plans, in the event of a fire in the home.
Should you require information, contact the New Zealand Fire Service.
For more information regarding any matters relating to Fire Safety and or Fire Prevention, contact your local council.