Fire Season Status

There are three different fire season statuses. They are: Open fire season, Restricted Fire Season and Prohibited Fire Season.

Open Fire Season

A fire can be lit in the open air without a permit.  However, full responsibility is with the person lighting the fire.

Restricted Fire Season

A permit to burn in the open air in rural areas must be obtained, with the exception of crop residue, hangis and fires in enclosed drums (subject to  certain conditions). For the burning of agricultural crop residue, a set of blanket conditions applies.

In a restricted fire season any person who wants to conduct a controlled burn of vegetation, other than crop residue, must firstly obtain a fire permit from the relevant authority.  Contact the Ashburton District Council or Department of Conservation for more information. 

Prohibited Fire Season

A prohibited fire season creates a total fire ban.  No fires are to be lit in the open air, although there may be specific health and safety reasons for which a special permit could be issued during a prohibited fire season.  

Any person unsure of the fire season status should contact the Council prior to lighting any fire in the open air.