Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning rural landowners that they are responsible for any outdoor fires they light, after unattended burn piles sparked a series of vegetation fires across Canterbury last weekend.
The warning follows a string of callouts where land management fires got out of control, putting firefighters, homes, farms, forestry blocks, stock and nearby communities at risk.
Fire and Emergency says crews are now visiting landowners connected to the fires to make sure they understand their obligations before lighting burn piles, land clearing fires or other rural burns.
The message is clear: checking the weather, monitoring conditions, staying with the fire, making sure it is fully out and following permit rules are not optional extras. They are basic responsibilities.
Landowners are being urged to use Fire and Emergency’s Check It’s Alright tool before lighting any outdoor fire, including during open fire seasons. A permit may still be required depending on the location, weather, fire danger and local restrictions.
The warning is especially important for farmers, forestry operators and lifestyle block owners, with dry fuel, strong winds and changing weather able to turn a controlled burn into a major emergency within minutes.
Fire and Emergency says anyone planning a burn should delay lighting if winds are forecast, conditions are dry, or the fire cannot be safely controlled. People should also notify Fire and Emergency if smoke or flames may be visible to neighbours or passing traffic, to avoid unnecessary 111 calls.
The Canterbury fires are a reminder that rural fire safety is not just about protecting one property. Once flames escape, the risk spreads quickly across fences, roads and communities.
For whānau living rurally, the advice is simple: check before you light, stay with the fire, have water and equipment ready, and do not walk away until every ember is cold.
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