Outdoor Fires

CURRENT FIRE RESTRICTIONS
OUTDOOR COOKING SAFETY TIPS
SMOKE POLLUTION
HANGI & UMU SAFETY TIPS

This page provides information on outdoor fires including bonfires, incinerators, agricultural burn offs, hangi, umu, and all other outdoor fires.  For Fees or information on indoor fires, refer to Building Consent Fees.

Do you really need to have a fire?

Recycling, composting, mulching or using the landfill may be a better option.  

If your fire gets out of control dial ‘111’ immediately. 

CURRENT FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Fire seasons are designed to control the number and type of fires being ignited when fire hazards are high.  Go to the National Rural Fire Authority for information on the different fire seasons.  

Restricted Fire Season

A Restricted Fire Season means no fires may be lit in the open air without a Fire Permit having been first issued by a Rural Fire Officer for the District.  The only exceptions to the Restricted Fire Season are Gas Barbecues.  Notices of Fire Restrictions will be placed on our Public Notices section.

Failure to comply with these restrictions constitutes an offence under Section 61 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

Applications allowing up to 5 working days for the processing of a fire permit, should be made to the Horowhenua District Council Offices at Levin, 06 3660999 between 9am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A site inspection will be required. (Note: no Fee is payable and permits will only be issued in special circumstances).

Open Fire Season

All outdoor fires in these areas require a fire permit except those listed below where they meet the fire safety criteria below:

  • Gas barbeques.
  • Charcoal barbeques at a residential or farm property.
  • Properly constructed incinerators at a residential or farm property (see specific details below).
  • Hangi or umu at a residential or farm property.
  • Braziers at a residential or farm property in calm weather conditions.
  • Small fires with less than one cubic metre of material to burn.
  • Do not light fires in strong winds or when strong winds are forecast.
  • Fires must be at least 5 metres from buildings and the property boundary.
  • Clear a three-metre firebreak around the fire site.
  • Lay out a hose connected to a pressurised water supply.
  • Only have fires between dawn and dusk (excludes barbeques).
  • Supervise the fire until it is out or cannot spread.
  • Advise neighbours prior to lighting the fire.
  • Incinerators should have a chimney with a wire mesh, a solid lid and body, and an ash box with a hinged door.
  • Ensure that smoke is not a nuisance to neighbours.

Remember, if your fire gets out of control you may be liable for a fine plus the costs of putting the fire out.  If your fire causes any other damage you may be liable for these costs too.

Permits are obtained by contacting a Council Customer Service Centre (or Department of Conservation for their areas).

Please request your permit at least five working days before it is required as we may need to meet with you to review your safety procedures.   

OUTDOOR COOKING SAFETY TIPS

Here are some fire safety tips to help prevent holiday cooking resulting in dangerous fires - always have a container with water or sand nearby when cooking outdoors.

Gas Barbeques

  • Always check the gas connections have a good seal and are not leaking
  • Keep portable gas barbeques well away from tents and caravans
  • Light the match before the gas is turned on
  • When cooking is completed, check the gas supply and appliance switches are turned to the 'off' position'.
  • For more information on LPG safety, go to Energy Safety Service.

Charcoal Barbeques 

  • Local fire bans may prohibit the lighting of a charcoal barbeque. Contact a Council Customer Service Centre about any restrictions, which may be in place at the time. 
  • Keep the barbeque well away from tents and caravans
  • Position it in a place where it is not likely to be knocked over-
    especially by children
  • Protect the barbeque from the wind
  • Use fire starters to start the fire safely
  • To rekindle a slow fire, tuck dry kindling under the coals and add charcoal if necessary
  • Don't use flammable liquids on fires
  • After cooking leave coals to cool before disposal by thoroughly dousing the coals with water.

Campfire Cooking

Local fire bans may prohibit the lighting of a campfire. 
Contact a Council Customer Service Centre about any restrictions, which may be in place at the time.

  • Fires should be situated downwind, well away from caravans, tents, grass and scrub
  • Avoid areas near fallen trees, tree trunks or low, over-hanging branches
  • Scrape away leaves and other debris down to the bare earth for at least one and a half metres surrounding the fire
  • To make sure the campfire is completely out, drench it with water and smother it

HANGI AND UMU SAFETY TIPS

  • Advise your neighbours of your intent to burn a fire for a hangi or umu
  • Select a suitable site for the fire, keeping away from things like long grass, fence lines, trees and buildings
  • Create a clear space or mini fire break around the perimeter of the fire by removing the grass layer from that area
  • Have a supply of water nearby in case of an emergency
  • When you are separating the ashes from the rocks place the ashes in an area where they won't set fire to other objects.  Then make sure that they are completely extinguished
  • After removing food from the ground, allow the rocks to cool before handling or removing to another area
  • A hangi or Umu is a fire in the 'open air' and will require a permit during a restricted fire season or a special permit during a prohibited fire season.  Contact a Council Customer Service Centre to find out about fire restrictions in your area

Always have someone in attendance at your hangi or umu, whether it is during the firing or cooking stage.

SMOKE POLLUTION 

Even if you have a fire permit or do not need a fire permit, your fire cannot cause a nuisance to others.
Horizons Regional Council has information about smoke pollution.

Useful Links

National Rural Fire Authority for information on fire management in rural areas including fire weather, guidelines for small forest owners, and current fire seasons (note this site has been primarily set up for those in the industry.
If you are unsure please Contact a Council Customer Service Centre.

New Zealand Fire Service provides a wealth of information on fire safety including at home, at work and with fireworks.

Horizons Regional Council for information about discharging contaminants (smoke) to the atmosphere.   

Brochures and Information available from Council

The following fire management brochures and booklets are available from Council customer service centres.

  • Fires in Rural Areas - Are you Aware?  
  • Lighting Fires and Permits Issue   
  • Is your property at risk from fire? Fire Safety in and around your home.
  • A farmer's practical guide to rural fire.
  • Flammability of Native Plant Species - A guide to reducing fire hazard around you home.