Rural Fire
Rural Fire in Hutt Valley
The Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council are Rural Fire Authorities, and are responsible for ensuring the functions of the Forest & Rural Fires Act 1977 are carried out within the Hutt City and Upper Hutt City boundaries.
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: Wainuiomata Bushfire Force and Upper Hutt Rural 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.
Fire Season Status
The official fire season commences 1 October and ends 30 April in the following year. 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.
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. Any person unsure of the fire season can telephone either Council.
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 Hutt Valley Emergency Management Office.
Permitted Activities
Permitted activities in a restricted or prohibited season are:
- 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.
Fire Permits
Fire permits can be applied for by phoning Hutt Valley Emergency Management Office on 570 6447. An Rural Fire Officer will work with you in completing a fire permit application form. Permits can be granted for periods of one month to one day, depending on weather conditions, the fire risk, and the time of year. Permits will not be granted in a prohibited fire season.
Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
Reduce Risks
- 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
Rural Fire Plan
Every two years the Hutt City Rural Fire Authority is responsible for reviewing and updating 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.
Rural Fire Plan