Total fire ban in Taupo District

On Thursday 7 February the Taupo District Council Rural Fire Authority has moved to a prohibited fire season in the Taupo District until further notice.

This measure has been put in place due to the hot weather of late leading to extremely dry conditions around the District. Even with the predicted downpours over the last few days there has not been enough rain to combat the overly dry state of the District. Grass and vegetation dries out quickly and is easily combustible and open fires can easily get out of hand. This fire prohibition has been put in place to protect our communities, property and environment.

This ban of fires is pursuant to Section 20, 21 and 22 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 - the “Act” and Territorial Local Authority Bylaws.

The only exceptions to this prohibition are gas fired cookers and barbeques. If you wish to light a fire for health reasons (e.g. disposal of diseased stock) or cultural reasons, please apply to Council for a “Special Fire Permit”.

Those not abiding to the fire prohibition may be prosecuted and will be made liable for recovery of any damages that may have been caused.

Enquiries in regards to the fire prohibition should be directed to Council’s Emergency Manager and Principal Rural Fire Officer, Phil Parker on 07 376 0803.