Fire Safety & Prevention

On 1 July 2017, the new Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 came into force. This Act repeals the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1997, with immediate effect.

Information, brochures and guidance material related to this website, and this webpage will be progressively updated to reflect the requirements of the Act.

Reduce the risk of fire

  • Clean up around the property prior to the summer
  • Prune trees, and cut vegetation before it dries off
  • Plant trees well clear of power lines
  • Keep the grass mown or grazed, especially around the house
  • Do not store any material or substance that could fuel a fire near the house
  • If you own an empty section, please keep the grass mown and clear of debris
  • Please take care when using mechanical mowing equipment as sparks from the equipment can ignite dry vegetation

Be prepared

  • Have a family plan to evacuate the property
  • Install smoke alarms in the house and check the batteries
  • Identify your property - clearly display your road/rapid number at the gate and at the house end of any shared accessway
  • Have a garden hose long enough to reach around the house connected to a tap at all times
  • Keep driveways and yards clear of obstructions to provide a clear path for vehicles
  • Know where the nearest fire fighting water supply is, and signpost access to the supply

Responsibility of property owners/occupiers

  • All property owners/occupiers have an obligation to keep their property free of fire hazards, i.e. long grass. Should Council consider your property to be a fire hazard, you will be required to remove that hazard and given one month to do so
  • Should the fire hazard not be removed in that time, then Council will engage a contractor to remove it and the cost will be forwarded to the property owner/occupier

Keep safe

  • Phone 111 to report any fire
  • Evacuate everyone from the property
  • Stay away from the fire