Risk reduction team consulting on new proposed fire plans

The Risk Reduction team is now consulting on new proposed fire plans in three trial areas –  Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Otago. The development and consultation of these plans are a requirement of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 (the Act).

Before the establishment of the Act, fire plans were developed for rural fire districts only, as required by the Forest and Rural Fire Regulations 2005.

National Advisor Fire Risk Management, Todd O'Donoghue says “A fire plan outlines policies and procedures, specific to a local region, for the management of public safety, and fire risks. Each fire plan outlines things like declaring the beginning and end of fire seasons, prohibiting and restricting fire use, and the issuing of fire permits.

“Fire plans also provide increased transparency to the public about how our fire control powers are used. When developing these local fire plans, we carefully consider the fire-risk areas and conditions specific to each local area.

“Consulting with the public and relevant agencies on fire plans is not only a legislative requirement, it’s also an important part of including community in the conversation, and taking on their insights as an important partner in finalising the plans,” says Todd O’Donoghue.

Following this initial consultation, we will develop and consult on further fire plans for the rest of New Zealand next year.

The public and interested organisations are invited to have their say on the proposed new fire plans through our external website(external link). Submissions close on 18 January.

If you have any questions on the development of local fire plans, you can contact fireplans@fireandemergency.nz.