Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responsible for declaring fire seasons and issuing fire permits in all urban and rural locations in New Zealand.

Before you light an outdoor fire, you need to check the fire season in the location of your proposed fire – you can do this by going to www.checkitsalright.nz.

Depending on the fire season and type of fire you want, you may need to apply for a fire permit at www.checkitsalright.nz. If you get a permit, you must comply with all its conditions.

Learn more about the fire weather and the seasonal fire danger outlook.

No matter what the fire season is, you still need to comply with any council bylaws and regional council requirements relating to smoke nuisance and discharges to the air, even if you are issued with a fire permit from Fire and Emergency.

Season status definitions

	OPEN FIRE SEASON
	RESTRICTED FIRE SEASON
	PROHIBITED FIRE SEASON

Rules for recreational, cultural and land clearing fires

Different types of fires have different rules about when it’s safe to light them. Learn about the rules and restrictions for each fire type below.