Council passes new Fires in the Open Bylaw

We've updated our rules for outdoor fires in urban areas of the District for the protection of people, property and the environment while balancing people's desire to light fires for cooking, heating and amenity purposes.

At its meeting today, our Council resolved to adopt the Fires in the Open Bylaw, which will take effect on 1 September.

Just like the old bylaw, the new one allows Council to set fire seasons in order to minimise fire risk.

"The main message of the bylaw is be fire safe: Always do a safety check and talk to any neighbours who might be affected before you light any type of outdoor fire," says our Community Environment Manager Barry Smedts. "If you can't control it, don't light it."

The new bylaw applies to the Coromandel's urban areas

Make sure:

• Fires in the open are supervised at all times
• There is an adequate means of fire suppression available at all times - like a pressured water supply or a fire extinguisher
• The fire is totally extinguished when you are finished

The following fires are allowed:

• Fireworks - They are a fire in the open but don't require a permit. Only light them if you are sure they will not cause a danger to people or property or the environment, will not go out of control, will not cause a smoke or noise nuisance, and not be a hazard to traffic. Be a good neighbour
• Compliant fire devices - these are permanent structures such as pizza ovens, outdoor fireplaces and incinerators that have a chimney with a spark arrestor and have a door or lid or grill over the fire box
• Fires with a permit
• Gas barbeques, cookers and heaters

These types of fires need permits in our urban areas:

• Big, organised fireworks displays - pyrotechnic displays
• What we call cultural cooking fires - hangi, umu, fire pit or other solid fuel outdoor fire used for preparing food using traditional cooking methods
• Other types of fires, bonfires for example

Get in touch with our Customer Services team on 07 868 0200 to organise a permit. Or email customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz

Rural rules

No changes have been made to fires in rural areas as these areas are regulated by the Thames Valley Rural Fire Authority and the Department of Conservation. See our web page www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire for the rules that apply there. For more information on how rules are set in rural areas check out the National Rural Fire Authority's website: www.nrfa.org.nz

We have maps of all the urban areas covered by the bylaw on our website to help you find out which area you fall under - and you can also check out our online mapping software.

Want to light a fire before 1 September?

Contact Council on 07 868 0200 or you can check out our website at www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire for more information.

See an out-of-control fire?

Call the NZ Fire Service on 111.

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