Rural Fire

Fire Season Status

The official fire season commences 1 October and ends 30 April in the following year.  During this time the Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council Rural Fire Authorities operate a 'Restricted' Fire Season and may choose to declare a 'Prohibited' Fire Season with a Total Fire Ban.

Note:
During a Restricted or Prohibited Fire Season, the following activities are permitted:

gas-operated barbecue. charcoal barbecue within the confines of an occupied residential property. a special permit may be obtained for a hangi or umu from the principal rural fire officer.

Any person unsure of the fire season can contact either Council on the following telephone numbers:

Hutt City Council Upper Hutt City Council

(04) 570-6666 (04) 527-2169

Prohibited Fire Season

A prohibited fire season creates a total fire ban.  No fires are to be lit in the open air. The prohibited fire season is declared when certain fire danger thresholds are reached, generally from mid to late December through to early March.

The prohibited fire season is advertised in The Dominion Post and in local papers, and Total Fire Ban signs are erected within the Hutt Valley.

Restricted Fire Season

In a Restricted Fire Season, any burning in the rural areas requires a Rural Fire permit.  Any person who wants to burn off materials in incinerators, have controlled burns of vegetation, or light fires for any reason, must first obtain a fire permit from the Hutt Valley Emergency Management Office.