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Rural fires in the Waikato region can threaten native and exotic forest, and the animals and plants living in them. They are also a danger to people living near forested areas. Find out about Environment Waikato’s role in rural fire management.
Rural fires in our region
Rural fires in our forest, scrub, peat and tussock areas are a natural hazard in the Waikato region. Our forested areas include exotic forests grown for commercial production, and native forests. These areas include over 4,000 native forest fragments (stands smaller than 25 hectares), many of which are on farmland or lifestyle properties.
Rural fires can:
- threaten the lives of people living near, working in or visiting areas of forest and scrub
- endanger our native plant and animal life
- upset the balance of natural ecosystems
- change the natural character of our landscape.
The fire hazard
The risk of rural fires can be increased by:
- long periods of hot, dry weather
- careless use of camp fires
- unsafe disposal of cigarette ends and matches.
Rural fires can also be caused by nature (such as lightning strikes), and by activities such as:
- arson (deliberately lit fires)
- sparks off train wheels, farming machinery or power line arcs
- vehicle accidents (engine fires spreading to vegetation)
- rubbish fires
- sun rays focusing through discarded broken glass.
National Rural Fire Authority
The National Rural Fire Authority organises and co-ordinates rural fire fighting activities on a regional and district basis throughout New Zealand. There are 3,000 volunteers and part-time firefighters who belong to 106 Rural Fire Authorities (RFAs).
Each RFA consists of:
- Territorial Local Authorities
- Department of Conservation
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Rural Fire District committees.
Members of the RFAs sit on the 14 regional Rural Fire Committees (RRFCs), which:
- promote regional co-ordination and co-operation
- provide advice and assistance for NRFA activities.
To find out more information on rural fires or to obtain a rural fire permit, visit the National Rural Fire Authority's website or contact the Rural Fire Officer at your local district or city council.
Environment Waikato’s role
- Environment Waikato has an advisory role as a member of the Waikato Rural Fire Committee. This is one of 14 regional committees under the direction of the National Rural Fire Authority (NFRA).
- We attend regular Waikato Rural Fire Committee meetings (about four to six times a year) to discuss training, exercises, recent emergencies and resource needs.
- In some rural fire situations we are called upon to provide technical support (including information and advice) to rural fire fighting authorities in the region.
What you can do
There are many ways you can help to prevent rural fires.
Carefully dispose of:
- cigarette butts
- matches
- other flammable objects (aerosol cans)
- glass.
If you have to burn rubbish, do so in an area away from trees, bush and tall grass:
- Make sure you have a rural fire permit, and that no fire bans are in place.
- Make sure a water supply is nearby.
- Don’t leave the fire unattended.
- Don’t light rubbish fires on windy days.
- Thoroughly soak the fire with water after it’s died down to make sure it’s completely out.
If you live in a rural area, make a fire-safe zone by cutting back tree branches, plants and tall grasses around your property’s home, outbuildings and any fuel tanks. This will:
- stop domestic fires spreading to surrounding vegetation
- prevent rural fires spreading to buildings.
Farmers can help prevent rural fires by:
- keeping mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment maintained
- watching out for rocks and metal when mowing
- monitoring hay-baling operations closely:
- check for hot bearings or hay caught in rollers
- keep a fire extinguisher handy
- watching out for sparks when using welding equipment to build fences or repair equipment.