Fire Seasons - Ashburton District Council

The three levels are:
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, which are widely advertised. A restricted fire season will be declared when certain fire danger thresholds are reached, and will be advertised in the Ashburton Guardian and Christchurch Press. "Restrictions declared" signs will be erected under the 10 Fire Danger Level indicator boards located throughout the Ashburton District. 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. In most cases this will be the District Council but it could be the Department of Conservation. If you are unsure who to ask, Council staff can advise you. Note: People are encouraged to complete any necessary burns well before the period when a prohibited fire season (total fire ban) is likely.
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. A prohibited fire season will be declared when certain fire danger thresholds are reached, and will be advertised in the Ashburton Guardian and Christchurch Press. "Prohibition declared" signs will be erected under the 10 Fire Danger Level indicator boards located throughout the Ashburton District. Any person unsure of the fire season status should contact the Council prior to lighting any fire in the open air.