Fire restrictions are implemented when the Fire Authority considers conditions to be such that some measure of control is necessary over how and when burning in the open air is conducted.

When restrictions are in place, anyone wanting to light a fire in  the open air must comply with a number of conditions relating to how, where and when that burning is to be conducted, and unless the material is crop residue a permit will be required.

Permits

During a Restricted Fire Season a permit must be obtained before lighting any fire in the open air, other than for the burning of crop residue. 

For anyone wanting to burn vegetation other than agricultural crop residue during the summer months they should first ask themselves these questions:

• Is it really necessary?
• Is there any other way of disposing of the material?
• Must it be disposed of immediately or can it wait until the fire danger level falls and restrictions are lifted?
• Can it be done safely without endangering their own or their neighbour’s property or inconveniencing others?

These are all factors which will be considered by the Council when making a decision on permit issue.

Where fire permits are issued a number of conditions will be imposed relating to such things as weather conditions (particularly wind strength), constant supervision, firebreaks, water on hand, time of day etc.the burning of any material other than agricultural crop residue a permit must be obtained from the relevant Fire Authority. 

A site inspection will be carried out by a Rural Fire Officer and conditions of permit will be discussed with the applicant to ensure there is no misunderstanding. 

A charge of $75 will be made.

It is possible an application may be declined if the Fire Officer considers it unsafe. 

If a prohibited fire season is declared all fire permits are deemed cancelled and the permit holder should contact the Council to make other arrangements.

Crop Residue

For the burning of agricultural crop residue a number of fixed conditions must be met, although it is not necessary to apply to the fire authority for a permit.

Click here to view the conditions.

Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers and the Ashburton District Council have jointly formulated a set of recommendations considered as best practice when burning crop residue.  These recommendations expand on the basic conditions required by the Council, and are set out in the Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers / Ashburton District Council Crop Residue Burning Code of Practice.

Click here to view the document.