Rural fire plans
Every two years the Hutt City and Upper Hutt City Rural Fire Authorities are responsible for reviewing and updating the Rural Fire Plans. The fire plans are 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 1977 and Rural Fire Regulations 2005 to have an operational fire plan.
Hutt City Council Rural Fire Plan (PDF 450kb)
Upper Hutt City Council Rural Fire Plan (PDF 469kb)
Rural fire permits
Fire permits are required for all open air fires in rural areas including hangi, umu, fires in braziers, incinerator fires, vegetation fires or controlled burns. If you are uncertain whether you require a permit, please get in touch.
- The Hutt Valley operates a restricted fire season in rural areas year round due to the ever-prefsent fire risk. During a restricted fire season a permit is reqfuired for all open air fires in rural areas
- When the fire danger becomes very high during summer, a prohibited fire season (total fire ban) may be put in place. During a prohibited fire season permits will not be granted and current permits will be cancelled
In rural areas, during a restricted or prohibited fire season, you do not need a permit for a:
- Gas-operated barbecue
- Charcoal barbecue within the confines of an occupied residential property
Application for rural fire permit
To apply for a rural fire permits, please get in touch.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost involved.
How long does your permit last?
Permits may be granted for periods of one week to six months, depending on weather conditions, the fire risk, and the time of year.
How long will it take?
It may take up to three working days to process a rural fire permit application.
Urban fire permits
If you are a Hutt City resident, you will need to apply with us for an urban fire permit. For Upper Hutt enquiries, please get in touch with Upper Hutt City Council.
Read the fire prevention bylaw (urban fire district) (PDF 633Kb)
What is allowed?
Any urban fire, covering hangi, umu, barbeques, braziers, outdoor cooking ovens and part of traditional cooking processes do not require a permit, so long as the fire is adequately supervised at all times.
Permits/exemptions are required for one-off events, such as a cultural celebration or Scout/Guide camp fire, filming or training exercises.
The following conditions must be adhered to:
- Attend the fire at all times
- Locate the fire away from buildings, trees and fences
- Have a means to extinguish fire
- Do not cause a smoke nuisance
- Contact fire control prior to lighting any fire
What is prohibited?
The following is prohibited as part of the Fire Prevention bylaw:
- Incinerators
- Garden waste - all plant material and debris, whether green or dead, standing, cut, sawn, fallen, windblown, broken, harvest, stubble or stumps
- Fire on a beach or in a reserve
- Other combustible material, including household waste, hazardous contaminants, plastic, rubber, treated timber, medical waste and other substances that breach the Greater Wellington Regional Air Quality Management Plan
Look up information on how to dispose your garden waste.
Application for urban fire permit
We recommend that you get in touch with us to check the location, what is being burned, and the purpose of the burn. After speaking to us:
- You will need to fill out an Application for Urban Fire Permit (PDF 44kb)
- If you are having a repeat burn, the approval of your application will depend on the outcome of your previous burn/s
Once your application is processed, a fire permit will be posted out to you. If you wish to collect it in person, you can do so by visiting our office.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost involved in applying for an urban fire permit.
How long does your permit last?
Permits will be granted for varying lengths of time depending on your circumstances.
How long will it take?
It may take up to three working days to process an urban fire permit application.
Fire safety and prevention
Reduce risks
- Ensure trees, tree limbs standing gorse and scrub 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 to report a fire
- Ensure everyone evacuates the house
- Don't go back into a burning structure
- Stay away from vegetation fires