Waikato District Council as Fire Authority for the Waikato territorial district gives notice of an OPEN fire season in effect from midnight 31 March 2015 until further notice. The risk of fires spreading is low due to current weather and climatic conditions.
During an open fire season permits are not required for fires in the open air unless the fire is within a one kilometre margin of a Department of Conservation area, in which case a fire permit from DOC is required.
Landowners are reminded that they are responsible for the management of all fires lit on their land and could be held accountable for any suppression costs if the fire gets out of control. Fires must be safe, contained and monitored at all times. Consideration must be made to avoid smoke nuisance to neighbours and its effect on road visibility.
Those living on peat soils should ensure that there is no risk of fire becoming seated in these soils.
At no time is it permissible to burn green vegetation, rubber, plastics, toxic materials or treated timber. The open fire season applies to all areas within the Waikato District Council area.
Gordon Bailey
Principal Rural Fire Officer
Waikato District Council