Fire Bans and Permits

Urban areas

Fires are not permitted in urban areas, whether it is in the open, in a drum, or an incinerator, unless the purpose of the fire is to cook food, such as a barbeque, hangi or umu. This applies at all times of the year (during the open and restricted fire seasons).

Restricted fire season

There is a restricted fire season in force from 1 December until 31 March each year. This period may be extended due to extreme weather conditions. During the restricted fire season, no open air fires can be lit without a fire permit.  

Permits are issued subject to certain conditions and these are dependant on the location of the proposed fire.

How do I obtain a fire permit?

Council needs to inspect any site prior to a issuing a fire permit. At the time of inspection, the fire ground (base indicating how fire will burn and location) must be ready.  

There is no charge for the inspection or for the permit. Permits may take up to 7 days to be issued.  

If you would like to apply for a fire permit please contact us.

Open fire season

There is an open fire season in force from 1 April until 30 November each year. During the open fire season, open fires are permitted in non-urban areas provided that:  

• the fire cannot spread beyond premises or out of your control;
• the fire is not within 5m of any part of a building, tree, hedge, fence or other combustible material;
• the fire is supervised and could be fully extinguished if necessary;
• after dark all fires are to be extinguished. The exception to this is large fires that will require more than 1 day of burning. Notification of these fires to the Fire Authority is required and some conditions may be imposed.

Prohibited fire ban

The Council or any authorised officer may, at any time deemed necessary, declare by public notice a Prohibited Fire Ban in all or specific areas of the District meaning that no open air fires can be lit.  

Fires on beaches

Fires cannot be lit on beaches at any time. This includes bonfires.

Fires near forests

Fires within 1 km of Forestry or Department of Conservation (DOC) reserves require a permit all year round. These permits must be applied for directly from either:  

• Carter Holt Harvey Forest Limited.
• Department of Conservation. Phone: 09 307 9279 (24 hours)

Fires on Kawau Island

All fires on Kawau Island require a permit. These must be applied for directly from the Department of Conservation office on Kawau Island: 

DOC Kawau Island Office
Mansion House
Kawau Island
Phone: 09 422 8882

What should I do if a neighbouring fire is causing a nuisance?

If talking to the person responsible for the fire does not solve the issue, please contact us (during business or after hours) and we will investigate.

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