Rural fire permits

Fire permits can be applied for from the Wanganui Fire Service. A Rural Fire Officer may work with you to complete a fire permit application form. Permits can be granted for periods of time, depending on weather conditions, the fire risk and the time of year. Special permits may be granted during a prohibited fire season.

Once a prohibited fire season is declared and published in the local newspaper, all previously issued permits become null and void.

Permits for the rural area are issued free of charge on Thursdays and Fridays. However, prior booking is required: two days for small burns, seven days if a burn plan is required.

Here is a simple checklist for you to use before applying for your fire permit. Ensuring that these things have been taken into account will speed up your application.

Note: "Burnoffs" of two hectares or more will require a Burn Plan.

	How close is the burning area to conservation areas or commercial forests?
	What is the topography surrounding the burning area and what effect will it have on the fire i.e. altitude, slope, aspect (N, S, E, W)?
	Are there any firebreaks nearby?
	What are the ground conditions?
	If the fire spreads, how far can it go?
	Is there a water supply nearby?
	Are there any cables or power lines nearby?
	Are there any underground services nearby?
	Are there any railway lines nearby?
	Are there any roads nearby? (Smoke hazard)
	Have the neighbours been notified?
	Will there be a smoke nuisance?
	How visible is the burn site?
	What is the purpose of the burn? Is this the only technique which can be used?
	What has the weather been like recently i.e. temperature, rainfall?
	Will there be someone to watch the fire until it is completely extinguished?
	How long do you need a permit for? Are the weather conditions likely to change during this time? Long range forecast.
	Is there access to the burn area e.g. locked gates? slips across tracks?

All fire permits are revoked when a prohibited fire season is declared.

For queries about issuing of permits, contact:

Wanganui Fire Service on (06) 348 0103
Or email gwenda.prouse@fire.org.nz
Or email richard.terrey@wanganui.govt.nz

Permanently restricted zones

Click here for the map
Fire permit (example in PDF)

Remember!

You could be personally liable for the costs associated with a fire on rural land if you are responsible for causing it. The costs of fighting fires in rural areas are passed on to the individuals responsible and could run from $10,000 to more than $100,000. The average helicopter costs around $2000 per hour.

Do you need a fire permit?

The Fire Authorities within the Wanganui District are:

Wanganui District Council	(06) 349 0001 (Rural)
Department of Conservation	(06) 349 2100
New Zealand Fire Service	(06) 348 0103 (Urban)

If you are intending to light a fire in the open air in the urban area or a restricted area (see the map for detail) you will require a fire permit 365 days of the year.

In other areas, check with your local council as to the status of the fire season.

Open	No permit needed to light a fire in the open air.
Restricted fire season	A permit is required for open air fires.
Prohibited fire season	Lighting of fires is not permitted in the open air, and all existing fire permits are cancelled.

DOC Reserves have a 1 kilometre fire safety margin, so if you live near to or within this area please check with DOC before lighting open air fires.

Under the Forest And Rural Fires Act 1977, a person who causes a vegetation fire can be charged with the costs of extinguishing it.

Help us to help you!

• In the rural areas, the Wanganui District Council requires a minimum of 48 hours notice if a permit is required. Application for all permits should be made to the Wanganui Fire Service, phone 348 0103. Pre-burn/permit inspections are made on Thursdays and Fridays.
• For fires of two hectares or more, or fires next to crops, forest etc, a Burn Plan may be required.

Helpful hints:

• Fit spark arresters to all machinery.
• Watch "Bernie" for fire danger warnings.
• Clean out dams or water tanks regularly.
• Notify neighbours and your Fire Authority if you are planning a large burn.
• For monsoon bucket dipping, dams need to be a minimum of 2m deep.