Fire Emergencies – in emergencies dial 111

Fire Seasons

Open – generally most of the year with no fire restrictions (other than the special DOC or Forest areas plus fire margins). Permits to light fires in the open are not necessary. Commonsense rules still apply: Fires should not be lit in dangerous situations or conditions; Remain in attendance until the fire is out; ensure that the fire is out before leaving. The lighter of the fire is responsible for any damage, or costs incurred to extinguish it. The lighter has a “duty of care” to their neighbours and a responsibility to prevent the spread of fire.

Restricted – declared when weather conditions make lighting fires in the open dangerous. A Fire Permit or authority is required to light a fire in the open during a restricted fire season.

Prohibited - declared where extreme weather and high fire danger conditions exist. This is a “Total Fire Ban” No permits to light fires in the open will be issued. “Special Permits” may be considered.

Year round fire restrictions are in force within 1km of a Department of Conservation Estate and Forest Areas. Permits from either DOC or the Ashley Rural Fire Committee are required all year round.

See Environment Canterbury’s website www.ecan.govt.nz for information on outdoor burning, smoke nuisance and rules governing discharges to air. In and close to the Kaiapoi and Rangiora residential areas you may need a resource consent from Environment Canterbury between 1 May and 30 September.

Outdoor burning in Residential-zoned areas or close to sensitive areas is banned all year round unless a resource consent is obtained to burn.

Establish the Current Fire Season Status

(a) When conditions warrant, fire restrictions or a total fire ban are declared. Notices will be published setting out the dates and provisions of the fire control measures.

(b) Fire Danger Indicator boards are located at strategic locations throughout the region to advise the public of current local fire danger status.

(c) No person shall light a fire until the current fire season status has been ascertained.

(d) Ignorance of the current fire season status is no defence against the consequences of an illegally lit fire.

(e) For further information phone Council Customer Services on 313-6136.

Interpretation: “Open Air” in relation to fire means other than in a fire place, gas barbeque or other receptacle as may from time to time be authorised by the Fire Authority.

Fire Permits

Fire permits are required during a Restricted Fire Season and are issued by a Council Rural Fire Officer. Permits are not valid until signed by the permit holder. Fire sites will be inspected by a Rural Fire Officer prior to a permitted fire being lit.

There is currently no charge for fire permits.

Fire permits apply only for the dates noted on the permit. If plans change a new permit is required. Permits may be cancelled if conditions deteriorate or fire fighting resources are tied up at a fire.

Fire Permits are issued subject to the conditions listed on the permit form and attached sheet and apply to daylight hours only. Additional conditions may be imposed by a Rural Fire Officer.

Permits for larger scrub clearing fires, or clean-ups after logging must be issued by the Principal Rural Fire Officer and additional planning and conditions may apply.

Conditions are listed in the document Fire Permit Conditions.

Fires on the Beach

Fires are not permitted at the beach at any time.

Fireworks

Fireworks are considered to be fires in the open and the same conditions apply to fireworks as other fires in the open. In a restricted fire season a permit is required for fireworks. Ensure that fireworks are let off in an area clear of vegetation and that a water supply is available.

Solid Fuel Barbeques & Braziers (including Ethnic Cooking Fires)

Solid fuel (eg charcoal) barbeques, braziers and Ethnic Cooking fires like a hangi or umu, are fires in the open and require a permit in a restricted fire season. These fires may not be lit in a prohibited fire season.

Gas Operated Barbeques

Gas barbeques may be lit without a permit during any fire season, although extreme care should be taken during periods of high fire danger.

Fires in a Drum or Incinerator (Rural Areas Only)

Fires in a fully enclosed drum or incinerator are not considered to be fires in the open and a permit is not required to light these fires during a Restricted Fire Season. However you must notify the Council of your intention to burn on a particular day, phone Customer Services on 313-6136.

Fires in open drums, other open containers and fires in pits in the ground are considered to be fires in the open.

During a Restricted Fire Season, fires in an open drum do not require a separate permit from the Council for each burn provided the conditions listed in the document Special Conditions: Fires in Drums are complied with eg wire mesh cover.

It is still necessary to advise the Council prior to lighting a fire in a drum during a restricted fire season, so that our Rural Fire Officers are aware of the location of fires on a particular day.

In a Restricted Fire Season, fires in other open containers or in pits in the ground require a Fire Permit.

Rubbish Fires in Town

Burning rubbish on residential-zoned properties is not permitted by Environment Canterbury's Air Plan unless a resource consent has been obtained.

Crop Residue (Stubble) Burning

Stubble fires are covered by a seasonal permit. This means that a new permit is not required for each burn.

Any person intending to burn stubble should register with the Council at the start of a restricted fire season, prior to any stubble burning.

Stubble fires must not be lit until the lighter of the fire has been issued a Seasonal Permit by a Rural Fire Officer and has read and understood the conditions in the document Special Conditions: Crop Residue Burning during a Restricted Fire Season.

Insurance

The lighter or “owner” of any fire in a rural area could be liable for fire fighting costs if the fire gets out of control, whether or not the fire was lit intentionally.

Any person intending to light a fire, or who may find themselves in a position of responsibility for a fire should contact their insurance company with respect to cover for damage caused by fire and fire fighting costs.

The Council encourages all residents living outside the urban fire districts to talk to their insurance company regarding cover for the costs of fighting fires.

Fire Safety and Prevention:

Reduce the Risk of Fire
• clean up around the property prior to the summer
• prune trees, and cut vegetation before it dries off
• plant trees well clear of power lines
• keep the grass mown or grazed, especially around the house
• do not store any material or substance that could fuel a fire near the house

Be Prepared
• have a family plan to evacuate the property
• Install smoke alarms in the house and check the batteries
• Identify your property clearly display your road number at the gate and at the house end of any shared accessway
• Have a garden hose long enough to reach around the house connected to a tap at all times
• Keep driveways and yards clear of obstructions to provide a clear path for vehicles
• Know where the nearest fire fighting water supply is, and sign-post access to the supply

Keep Safe
• phone 111 to report any fire
• evacuate everyone from the property
• stay away from the fire

For more information:

Call Council Customer Services on: ph (03) 313 6136 or (03) 327 6834
Fact Sheet – Lighting Fires
Waimakariri District Council Bylaw – Fire Control Bylaw 2009 (pdf 354kb)


National Rural Fire Authority: www.nrfa.org.nz for information on fire season status, weather, publications, student information and more.

Environment Canterbury: www.ecan.govt.nz for information on smoke nuisance and rules governing discharges to air.

New Zealand Fire Service: www.fire.org.nz for information on safety in the home, evacuation advice, facts and statistics and more.