Fireworks – use on private property,
follow instructions carefully, keep pets inside,
adult supervision.
X Sky lanterns – are not allowed as they can
fly away and be a fire risk. Lanterns may be used
at festivals if secured.
X any outdoor fire that cannot contain all embers
and sparks such as a brazier or hāngi/umu fire is
temporarily prohibited. Fireworks are also prohibited.
Be fire safe
Always do a safety check and talk to your neighbours
before you light any type of outdoor fire. If you can’t
control it, don’t light it.
• If you see a fire that is out of control – call 111.
• For fires that are causing offensive smoke –
call Auckland Council 09 301 0101.
If you light an illegal fire, be prepared to face
the penalties.
Fire safety requirements
• use dry, untreated wood, charcoal or natural gas
• appropriate weather conditions (high winds and hot,
dry temperatures are a fire risk)
• location of fire: at least 3 metres away from fences,
trees and buildings
• water source or extinguisher nearby
• supervise the fire at all times.
When there is an extreme fire danger a total
fire ban can been declared
Auckland Council can temporarily prohibit the use
of outdoor fires when conditions significantly increase
fire danger, such as drought. The only outdoor fires
allowed in a total fire ban are:
on private property – small cooking fires contained
in an outdoor fire device fuelled by gas or where
embers and sparks are contained
in a public place – small cooking fires contained
in an outdoor fire device fuelled by gas
For further information on how to be fire safe in
the outdoors, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ruralfire
Outdoor fires
Urban areas
BC4275-Urban
Fireworks and sky lanterns
Cleaner air and fire safety
Auckland Council has rules around the lighting of outdoor
fires to manage fire risk and air pollution. When lighting
a fire think of your neighbours and check our fire safety
requirements and whether the fire is allowed in an
urban area.
Auckland rural and
urban fire areas
Rural zones
N
Lighting outdoor fires in urban areas
Auckland’s urban zone includes residential and business
land. In an urban fire zone you can only light outdoor
fires for:
cooking – BBQs, wood-fired pizza ovens
ethnic cooking fires – hangi or umu
heating – outdoor fireplaces, braziers
X Note: these fires should not create a nuisance –
no offensive smoke, ash or smell that travels to
neighbouring properties.
Fires not allowed at any time
Some fires are not allowed at any time in urban areas.
Do not:
X
light fires to burn rubbish or garden waste
X light an incinerator
X create offensive smoke, ash or odour that travels
to neighbouring properties
X burn wet, painted or treated wood.
When disposing of these materials please use
alternatives to outdoor burning – take to a land fill,
recycle or try composting.
If you are still unsure of what area you are in, please contact
the council call centre or use the address locater from our website
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ruralfire
Zone 1 – mainland
Zone 2 – conservation islands
Zone 3 – populated islands
Urban Fire District