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Fire
Rural Fire
The Councils have appointed a Principal Rural Fire Officer who is responsible for ensuring that the necessary management functions are in place. This includes actions to reduce the risk of and severity of fire, and monitoring the fire danger on a daily basis during the fire season. Other key tasks include ensuring preparedness by having available a fire suppression capability to efficiently manage rural fires.
The Council's have two bush fire forces; Upper Hutt Volunteer Rural Fire Force and Wainuiomata Fire Force. Agreements are also in place to use the NZ Fire Service and other fire suppression providers if required, and to have an aerial fire fighting capacity through the use of helicopters and monsoon buckets.
Rural Fire Plan
Every two years the Hutt City Rural Fire Authority reviews and updates the annual Rural Fire Plan. The fire plan is a statement of fire control policy, chain of command and procedures by a Rural Fire Authority. Rural Fire Authorities are required by the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977and Rural Fire Regulations 2005 to have an operational fire plan.
View the Rural Fire Plan (pdf, 491K)
Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
- Ensure trees and tree limbs are kept pruned and well away from homes
- Plant trees clear of power lines and keep gutters clear
- Keep the grass mown around your home
- Dispose of cigarettes carefully
Be Prepared
- Have a family plan for escaping your home
- Rural homes know your RAPID number and ensure it can be seen clearly from the road
- Have a hose attached to your water tap
- Report any suspicious activities
Be Safe
- Dial 111 for fire
- Ensure everyone evacuates the house
- Don't go back into a burning structure
- Stay away from vegetation fire
