Fire and Emergency New Zealand is introducing a Restricted Fire Season for Open fires starting 1 December 2017, and finishing at the end of March 2018 (depending on weather conditions).
This change in fire season will provide a consistent approach to fire seasons throughout the Waikato area.
This restriction requires anyone lighting an open air fire rural or urban to obtain a Fire Permit from Council before commencing. This sometimes requires an inspection of the site before a permit can be issued therefore the application must be lodged five working days prior to the fire being lit.
Note: It will take up to 5 working days to process permits. No fire permits will be issued between 20 December 2017 and 8 January 2018.