BC3048
Do you know the rules
around outdoor burning?
Urban (including industrial areas)
beaches and coastal areas) is not allowed.
It’s important to take care around any form
of fire and remember that there are strict
rules about outdoor burning.
A prohibited fire season can be imposed in urban
areas in times of extreme fire risk, and during these
times no fire of any description may be lit in the
open air.
Outdoor burning can harm the community as
smoke and other pollutants from the fire can cause
a number of health effects, including breathing
problems and eye irritations.
What you can do
Fires for cooking – bbqs, hangis and umus – and
heating fires – outdoor fireplaces and braziers - are
legal. However, only dry untreated wood should
be used and smoke must not be a nuisance to
neighbours.
What you can’t do
Burning waste and rubbish, including garden waste,
is not allowed.
Lighting fires (except in an appliance designed for
outdoor cooking) in a public place (i.e. reserves,
Find out more: phone 09 301 0101
or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
The Law
Open burning in urban areas is an offence under
the Resource Management Act, and you can be
prosecuted for each offence. The standard fine for
an open burning offence is $300.
Other options
If you need to get rid of rubbish, please use the
effective and environmentally responsible methods
available, such as reusing or recycling.
BC3048
Rural Fires
Before lighting any fires check with Auckland Council whether you are in a rural fire zone and what
the current fire season is by visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ruralfire or by emailing
[email protected]
Please follow these simple rules:
• Fires should only take place in suitable weather conditions e.g. low wind or settled conditions. You
should locate the fire as far away from adjacent buildings as practical and supervise the fire at all times.
• do not locate fires within close proximity to property boundaries, buildings, trees, hedges and shrubs.
• smoke must not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
• fires (except gas fuelled BBQ or designated facilities ) on reserves, beaches or coastal areas are not
allowed.
• For large land clearing burns during a open fire season please contact the Auckland Rural Fire Team to
advise of length and location of burn.
You are not allowed to burn waste anywhere. Waste is defined as including rubbish, building wastes (such
as treated timber), plastic (e.g. agrichemical containers and silage wrap), rubber (e.g. tyres), paint, used
(waste) oil, motor oil, solvents and bituminous materials. Wood used for building purposes is likely to be
treated and when burnt can produce toxic fumes (arsine) and residues.
Advice note: The Auckland Council does not support the use of open fires during the hours of darkness.
Open fire season
These activities are allowed:
• fires for cooking – bbqs, hangis and umus
• small heating fires – outdoor fireplaces and braziers
• burning dry untreated wood, paper or well-seasoned vegetation
• burning of up to 1.5 tonnes per day of dead on-farm animal stock.
Restricted fire season
During a restricted fire season a fire permit is required for all fires in the open air. They are available on the
Auckland Council website and are free of charge. Failure to obtain a permit is an offence against the Forest
and Rural Fires Act 1977.
Remember, it is your responsibility to manage any fires on your property; you may be liable for any costs
related to the control of any escaped or unpermitted fires.
Prohibited fire season
A prohibited fire season can be imposed at any time during the year, in periods of extreme fire danger,
and no fire of any description may be lit in the open air.
Find out more: phone 09 301 0101
or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz