The rural fire status is defined using 3 terms:
- Open Fire Season
No permit is required to light a fire in the open air except if you live within 1km of a forest or DOC land. You are responsible for any consequences should the fire get out of control.
- Restricted Fire Season
A permit is required from the Gisborne District Council to light a fire in the open air. These generally exclude gas BBQ's. You are responsible for any consequences should the fire get out of control.
- Prohibited Fire Season
Conditions are such that all fires are banned, even when a permit has been issued.
| Current Status |
Restricted for the city and beaches, rest of district open |
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Shelters/Tents/Caravans
- Mow your shelter site to at least 3 metres from external walls.
- Ensure a 3 metre gap from other shelters.
- Allow a 4 metre unobstructed driveway area between rows of camps to allow private and emergency vehicles access.
- Store LPG cylinders outside of shelters.
- Smoke alarms attached to the shelter will provide an early warning of fires.
- Put a LPG/ carbon monoxide gas detector near the floor of the shelter (gas is heavier than air).
- Keep a general purpose fire extinguisher ready for use near an exitway.
- Do not store rubbish near camp sites. Use rubbish containers that are supplied.
- Change LPG cylinders in open air and check all LPG connections for leaks with a soapy solution. If there are leaks bubbles will appear in the soapy solution.
- When LPG appliances are not in use close the cylinder valves.
- Ensure adequate ventilation when using LPG/ meths appliances inside.
- Storage of flammable fuels must be away from camps.
- Burns First Aid - apply water to burn for a minimum of 15 minutes and then contact the St Johns Ambulance via the 111 phone service.