Fire - Permits
Wellington City Council enforces a restricted fire season throughout the year. That means if you want to light an outdoor fire, you need a fire permit. Failure to obtain one is an offence against Council bylaws and the Forest and Rural Act 1977.
You can obtain a permit for a maximum period of one year. Applications require an inspection and are processed within seven working days.
All fires in the open must be extinguished by nightfall.
At high-risk times the Council may change the restricted status to a prohibited season, banning outdoor fires completely.
You need a permit for any of the following outdoor activities:
- hangi
- umu
- barbecues (except gas barbecues)
- brazier
- camp fires
- chimineria
- cooking fires
- rubbish fires
- incinerators
Application for Fire Permit (119Kb PDF)
Permit Fees
- rural areas - free
- urban areas and beaches - $25.00
- developers - $50.00
Beaches
Fires are only allowed on beaches at:
- Houghton Bay
- Princess Bay
A location inspection is required for each permit application.
Note: Only gas barbecues are permitted at Scorching Bay and Worser Bay.
Outdoor Fire Tips
- get a permit in advance
- light fires in a clear area
- do not light fires in strong winds
- supervise the fire at all times
- always have a water supply for fire-fighting handy
- use a sturdy metal container with good ventilation
- use a fine mesh guard over the container to prevent burning debris and embers from escaping
- burn only dry plants, leaves and branches, wood, paper and cardboard
- do not burn plastics or newly cut vegetation
Related Links
- Application for Fire Permit (119Kb PDF)
- Council publications
Department Details:
Emergency Management
