Hamilton City Council will look at creating a by-law to control 'nuisance' fires and implement fire bans in urban areas during dry summer months.
Currently no one, including the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS), can legally put out fires in the city which are not causing harm or pose immediate danger unless there is a by-law.
Hamilton is the only city in New Zealand without a by-law to control fires after choosing to remove it in 2007, a decision which has been labelled a "mistake".
New Zealand Fire Service Risk Management Officer Peter Hallett said during the summer calls do increase about vegetation fires and there is a need to have the means to put out fires when need be.
"We had one this year that took out three or four acres that came from a small fire. We had all of the city's resources there."
He said when they have asked people to put out fires, they have been challenged, "[We] only have the right to extinguish if there is harm. It is an ugly situation to deal with."
The NZFS receives around 240 calls a year for nuisance fires with an estimated cost of $48,000. Nuisance fires are those that may be producing excessive smoke on a neighbour's property or causing annoyance for those nearby.
Councillor Ewan Wilson was in favour of looking at a by-law, trusting in the NZFS to determine what needs to be put out and when.
"Ultimately they will use the power, when they need to. From my point of view this is a no brainer. How often do the emergency services come in and ask for a by-law?"
Councillor Garry Mallet was also in support, and said there are two issues: the dry countryside and the need to have the ability to put a fire ban in place, and nuisance fires being controlled all year round.
"I have some confidence in the fire service being able to determine what is a nuisance fire. I can understand why they [need] to have the power to prevent nuisance fires."
A ban would not need to include the use of gas barbecues, safely managed braziers or cultural fires such as hangis.
- Sacha Harwood