Fire Risk and Prevention

A restricted fire season applies in the Kawerau District from 1 October to 30 April each year. The restricted fire season may be reduced or extended having regard to prevailing climatic conditions and associated fire risks.

During restricted fire seasons, fire permits are required at any time for the lighting of fires in the open air.

A prohibited fire season may be specified having regard to:

• Prevailing climatic conditions
• Assessed fire risks
• The opinions of the Fire Service
• Advice of the Rural Fire Officer (including the surrounding Fire District)

The lighting of fires in the open air is prohibited during a prohibited fire season. 

Approved incinerators, barbeques and hangi or umu are not classified as fires in the open air and are permitted in any season.

The District is regularly surveyed to identify fire hazard situations and to ensure that property owners keep sections mowed to prevent the development of fire hazards.

At other times, an open fire season prevails when lighting of fires in the open air is neither prohibited nor restricted.

For further information, contact the General Inspector ph:306 9009.