Fire Prevention Bylaw Update

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Fire Prevention Bylaw Urban Fire District - Update

The bylaw became effective on 1 August 2008. The bylaw limits the lighting of open air fires in the urban district of Hutt City. It does not apply to rural areas of the city.

The bylaw aims to stop the burning of vegetation and other combustible materials that are a nuisance or will pollute the environment, and prevents fire hazards.

Can I still use my incinerator?
No, after 1 July 2009 all incinerator use is prohibited.

Does the bylaw include hangis, umus, barbecues and other outdoor cooking?
Fires may be lit for hangis, umus, barbecues, braziers, outdoor cooking ovens or as part of a traditional cooking process as long as the fire is adequately supervised at all times.

Where can I dispose of my garden waste?
For small amounts of green waste you could start a compost bin, or for tree pruning, hire or buy a mulching machine to create mulch for your garden. Larger amounts of vegetation and other material can be taken to:

Silverstream Landfill, Reynolds Bach Drive, Silverstream.
Wainuiomata Landfill, Coast Road, Wainuiomata.
Seaview Recycle and Transfer Station, 27 Seaview Road, Seaview.

Charges apply according to the size of load. You might also employ a tree or garden services contractor, or hire a waste bin.

Our Scout group has had a permit for camp fires – is it still allowed?
Anyone can apply to Hutt City Council for a permit or special exemption. The Council will grant a permit under certain conditions, and usually for one-off events such as cultural celebrations, Scout and Guide camp fires, filming or fire training exercises.

Can we light a fire on the beach or beside the river?
You can’t light a fire (including fireworks) on a beach or in a reserve, other than a gas barbecue, without written permission from the Council. The Greater Wellington Regional Council is responsible for the control of fires beside rivers within the district.

What are the boundaries of the Urban Fire District?
For details of the boundaries, please contact Hutt City Council on 570-6666

Where can I get a rural fire permit?
Rural fire permits are issued by the Hutt Valley Emergency Management Office and are subject to the provisions of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977. Please allow 3 working days to obtain a rural fire permit, phone 570-6666.

How can I find out if there is total fire ban?
Notices and conditions of a prohibited fire season will be placed in newspapers, radio and on the Council website: www.huttcity.govt.nz

For further information or to get a copy of the bylaw, please contact:
Environmental Inspections
Hutt City Council
30 Laings Road
Lower Hutt
Tel: 570-6666, fax 04 569-4290
Email: contact@huttcity.govt.nz