Open fire season announced for Waikato District

Permits will no longer be required for rural fires in the Waikato District while an open fire season takes effect from 28 June 2010 until further notice.

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Andy Baker said that during an open fire season, permits are not required for fires in the open in rural areas but landowners must take responsibility for all fires lit.

“All care must be taken to ensure the fire is safe, contained and monitored at all times and that includes avoiding the spread of fire and smoke nuisance to neighbours or across roads” he said.

Mr Baker warns that those living in areas with peat soils should ensure there is no risk of fire becoming seated in these soils. There are also restrictions on the types of material permitted for rural fires. These include green vegetation, rubber, plastics, toxic materials and treated timber.

Council recognises rural landowners can responsibly use fire as a land management tool and has removed the burden of having to apply for permits. Permits will be required from the Department of Conservation if the proposed fire is within a one kilometre margin of a Department of Conservation area.

“This is a considerable shift in fire management strategy as the risk of fires spreading is low due to weather and climatic conditions” Mr Baker said.

A move to a restricted season will occur when weather conditions change later in the year. The open fire season does not apply to urban areas. The lighting of fires in urban areas is covered by the Waikato District Council Fires in Open Air Bylaw 2007 and a restricted fire season is in place for all urban areas within the district. A permit for any fires other than barbeques, hangis or fires in properly constructed incinerators is required.

“Treat fire with respect and use the open season as a time to carry out safe burns to reduce the need for fires during summer” Mr Baker said.