Permits now needed for open fires

Fires in rural areas can devastate land, forest and local communities.

If you're planning on having an open fire in a rural area you now need to apply for permit from Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority - the over-arching rural fire authority for the Central North Island and Bay of Plenty coast regions.

Permits are now required from the Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority for all open air fires in rural parts of the district outside the Taupō urban area including controlled burns, campfires, cooking fires, rubbish fires and braziers.

The official restricted rural fire season runs from October 1 to the end of April 2017.

The Pumicelands region incorporates all rural and forest areas in the wider Bay of Plenty and Taupō regions, but excludes the metropolitan areas including Taupō township.

Pumicelands principal rural fire officer Paul Wright says fires in rural areas can devastate land, forest and local communities so it is critical that everyone understands their responsibilities and how to reduce the risk of fire.

He says a new online application process is quick and easy, takes a few minutes to complete and is instantly submitted for review for the relevant local zone manager saving time and hassle for everyone involved.

"Permits are now required for all open air fires including controlled burns, campfires, cooking fires, rubbish fires and braziers.

"Everyone has a responsibility when it comes to open air fires and having a permit is the first step."

"The online application is quick and easy.

It takes just a few minutes to complete and is instantly submitted for review by the relevant local zone manager, saving time and hassle for everyone involved."

Mr Wright says there is no cost involved with applying for a fire permit, however, people need to plan ahead as permits are not issued on weekends or public holidays, and may take up to three business days to process.

- Online application forms are available on www.pumicelands.co.nz. Members of the public who do not have access to the internet may apply for permits through the relevant local council.