LISTEN: Fire Permits Now Needed In Taupo

Paul Hickey from The Hits Taupo caught up with Roger Nelson (Rural Fire Manager, Taupo Zone, Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority) as he was out changing the awareness signs around Taupo this week...

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If you’re planning on having an open fire in a rural area, from 3 October you will need to apply for a permit from Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority – the over-arching rural fire authority for the Central North Island and Bay of Plenty coast regions.

The official restricted rural fire season commences on 1 October and finishes at the end of April 2017, unless advised otherwise. Permits are required for all open air fires including controlled burns, campfires, cooking fires, rubbish fires and braziers.

The Pumicelands region incorporates all rural and forest areas in the wider Bay of Plenty and Taupo regions, but excludes the metropolitan areas of Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane and Taupo.

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.

“The Central North Island’s rural and forestry areas play an important role in our local economies and any destruction can have a devastating effect on jobs, incomes and communities.

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

This year, people can apply for a fire permit online with the recent launch of the new Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority website and online application form at www.pumicelands.co.nz

Mr Wright says introducing the online permit application will save time, streamline the permit process and collect valuable data to assist with future fire protection.

“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.

Members of the public who do not have access to the internet may apply for permits through the relevant local council.