Guidelines for outdoor burning in urban fire districts
Outdoor burning in an urban fire district is a permitted activity subject to the conditions below. Please make sure to check with us what fire district you are in.
Remember - YOU are fully responsible for any fire you light. Even if you believe you have met all of the above conditions, a fire officer may declare your fire unsafe and put it out or forbid you to light it.
| What the Bylaw says |
What you need to do |
|---|---|
| 1. No total fire ban (prohibited season) is in place that covers the locality of the fire; and | Check with us |
| 2. The fire complies with all rules of the Otago Regional Council Regional Plan: Air or is permitted by an appropriate consent from the Otago Regional Council; and | Check with the Otago Regional Council (opens in a new window) |
| 3. No fire including braziers, other than a cooking fire in a container that prevents the escape of fire or ashes, is lit or allowed to remain alight between sunset and sunrise; and | Purpose built barbecue and well-maintained portable barbecue; hangis and umus big enough to contain all of the burning material should suffice. Keep the fire as small as possible. |
| 4. No fire is lit or allowed to remain alight when prevailing or forecast conditions of wind may cause it to spread; and | Check the local weather forecast on radio, newspaper or Internet. Be alert for weather changes while the fire is burning. |
| 5. The fire does not by reason of its size, location, risk of spread or inadequate containment constitute a danger to any person or property; and | Burning small amounts at a time, feeding from a heap well away from the fire, is the safest. Burn in an incinerator or other suitable container if possible. |
| 6. A minimum clearance of 5 metres is maintained from any building, fence, tree, hedge or other combustible material; and | Even though your fire is the required distance from these items, watch for the effects of radiant heat or sparks. |
| 7. A responsible person is in attendance to supervise the fire at all times; and | 'In attendance' means you should be at, or near, and able to observe the safety of the fire. |
| 8. A water supply sufficient to control any spread of the fire is available; and | A mains pressure hose is best, or a number of buckets filled and ready. It may be sensible to soak the area around the fire before lighting. |
| 9. All embers and ashes are totally extinguished after burning. | Rake out and soak ashes thoroughly. Check regularly afterwards. |
Last reviewed: 25 Jul 2008 2:20pm
Phone us on 477 4000
