Skip to main content

Fire Safety

From 1 July 2018, Fire and Emergency New Zealand are responsible for declaring fire seasons, issuing fire permits (fire control) and fire hazard removal in all urban and rural locations.

Fire Season and Fire Permits

Fire and Emergency is responsible for setting fire seasons and issuing fire permits for all urban and rural areas.

When assessing your fire permit, Fire and Emergency will take into consideration a range of factors including the location of your proposed fire, the weather, and other conditions that may increase the risk of the fire getting out of control.

Information from Fire and Emergency about fire seasons, the current season in your location, how to safely light a fire, fire types and how to apply for a permit can be found at: www.checkitsalright.nz (if you do not have internet connection please phone 0800 656 628 for assistance).

Fire Hazard Removal

If there's a property in your neighbourhood that you believe is a health or safety hazard due to an unkempt section, you might first try talking to the property owner.

If this does not resolve the problem, contact 0800 422 522 to report a concern that does not present a fire risk, such hoarding and other nuisance issues including vermin control.

If your concern is a fire risk, you can let Fire and Emergency New Zealand know about your concern by completing the online form available at https://fireandemergency.nz/at-home/overgrown-sections/ or calling 0800 336 942. Please note that Fire and Emergency is only able to take action to deal with genuine fire hazards, and not where the property is just unsightly or presents a health hazard.


The Rangitikei is a district that generally has a warm, dry climate during summer which can increase the risk of fires. There are three fire seasons that can be declared:

  1. Open Fire Season - No fire permit is required to light open air fires in compliance with the bylaw.
  2. Restricted Fire Season - A permit from the relevant fire authority is required to light fires in open air.
  3. Prohibited Fire Season - This is a total fire ban. No fires may be lit anywhere.

For clarification of any of the above please contact the Council.

The Regional Council may impose restriction on burning at some times of the year for air quality reasons. It is recommended that you contact Horizons Regional Council or consult their website before lighting any fires.

Fire Safety Advice

Previous years have highlighted the extreme fire danger conditions that exist in Rangitikei during a good summer. It is important that fires are controlled and monitored. The advice on this page, if followed, should reduce the risk of a tragic or disastrous fire occurring. Minimise the risk of fire:

  • Take some time to look around your section and identify potential risks for the spread of fire
  • Keep grass mown or grazed and remove dangerous growth and other garden rubbish
  • Create a fire break between standing growth and your home and outbuildings
  • Create a fire break between any reserves or empty sections adjoining your property
  • Isolate flammable liquids and store safely away from your home
  • Ensure firewood and other flammable materials are stored safely away from your home.

Fire Prevention

Avoid having any fires - Rangitikei District Council discourages the burning of waste that can be recycled.

  • Compost all garden waste where possible
  • Household refuse should be put out for collection
  • Remove other garden prunings to the transfer stations. Consider sharing loads with family, friends, and neighbours to reduce costs.