You can help prevent wildfires in Northland
Accidents happen, but they're much less likely if you:
- Check whether you're allowed to light an outdoors fire - every time (contacts below). This includes campfires, rubbish fires and cooking fires.
- If you are allowed to have one: stay with it until it's out (put your hand in the fire to make sure it's out - seriously); don't have the fire on a windy day; make sure there are three metres clear around the whole area to be burned and no verhanging plants or trees; and follow permit conditions.
- Have fire fighting gear and supplies close by, especially a good water source.
- Light fireworks in places well away from other things that can burn (like plants, trees and bush).
- Don't throw away cigarettes.
Wildfires spread really fast, sometimes up to more than 14km per hour. Faster than most people can run. If you don't think you can manage the risk, don't have the fire or ask for help or advice. If you do start a wild fire, it's really important we get it out as fast as possible. Please ring 111 or any of the numbers below IMMEDIATELY to help reduce damage and costs.
To find out if you are allowed an outdoors fire/need a permit or if you just want information, call your local DOC office or District Council (see contacts below).
They may talk about, or you may read about fire seasons being open, restricted or prohibited. This can be confusing. It's best to just ask: Can I light an outdoors fire. If so, do I need a permit?
Fire permits are free. It's against the law not to have one in a restricted fire season. Even with a permit, you're still responsible for making sure your fire is safe and contained. Wildfires cost. You can't afford to be lazy or careless.
Read a summary of key findings and recommendations of research about the experiences of people who accidentally started wildfires in Northland
Contacts
Far North District Council
Phone: 0800920029 or +64 9 405 2750
www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council
Phone: 0800727059 or +64 9 439 7059
www.kaipara.govt.nz
Whangarei District Council
Phone: 0800932463 or +64 9 430 4200
www.wdc.govt.nz
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