FIRE SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

Can You Use an Incinerator During a Fire Ban in New Zealand?

Fire restrictions can change quickly throughout New Zealand depending on weather conditions, drought levels, wind, and overall fire risk. Before using any outdoor fire or incinerator, it’s important to understand the current fire season in your location and check local restrictions carefully.

Photo of Fire

Understanding New Zealand fire seasons

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) manages different fire seasons across the country to help reduce wildfire risk and protect rural communities.

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Open Fire Season Fires are generally allowed without a permit as long as local safety requirements are followed.
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Restricted Fire Season Some fires may still be permitted, often with conditions, approved appliances, or permits required.
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Prohibited Fire Season Outdoor fires are generally banned due to extreme fire danger.

Can incinerators still be used during restricted fire seasons?

In some areas, qualified purpose-built incinerators fitted with appropriate spark control measures may still be permitted during restricted fire seasons. Requirements vary depending on local conditions, regional fire restrictions, and compliance with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) safety requirements.

Generally, incinerators should include proper ember and ash containment measures such as a fitted lid, spark arrestor, or steel mesh designed to help reduce ember escape during operation.

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Purpose-built incinerators Qualified incinerators fitted with proper ember control measures may still be permitted in some restricted fire seasons.
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Spark control measures Spark Arrestors and Ash Guards help reduce ember and ash escape during operation.
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Homemade burn drums Open drums or poorly contained fires are more likely to release embers and increase fire risk.

Accessories designed to support safer operation

The Inflame Spark Arrestor helps reduce ember escape, while the Ash Guard helps reduce ash escaping during operation — supporting cleaner and safer burning conditions.

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Important fire safety requirements

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Keep fires clear of hazards

Keep your fire at least 5 metres away from buildings, hedges, dry grass, trees, or anything else that could catch fire.

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Keep extinguishing equipment nearby

Always have a suitable means of extinguishing your fire within easy reach during operation.

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Reduce ember escape

Purpose-built spark control measures such as spark arrestors or steel mesh can help reduce hot ash and ember escape.

Landowner permission and local requirements

If you are not the legal occupier of the property where the fire is being lit, permission may still be required from the landowner before operating an outdoor fire or incinerator.

Additional restrictions may also apply from local councils, the Department of Conservation (DOC), forestry operators, or regional authorities depending on your location.

⚠️ Always check before burning

You must also comply with any rules set by regional councils, Department of Conservation (DOC), forestry operators, or landowners before lighting a fire.

Understanding fire danger ratings

Fire danger ratings indicate how difficult a fire may be to control under current conditions, ranging from low to extreme risk levels.

Weather conditions such as wind, drought, temperature, and humidity can rapidly increase fire danger across rural areas.

Important:
Always visit checkitsalright.nz before using any outdoor fire or incinerator.

Tips for safer operation

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Only burn dry and suitable materials
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Avoid operating during strong winds
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Keep surrounding areas clear of dry grass and flammable materials
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Monitor the fire at all times during operation
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Ensure ash is fully extinguished before disposal

Burn responsibly

Responsible burning helps protect people, property, livestock, and the wider rural environment. Taking a cautious approach and following current restrictions helps reduce fire risk and supports safer waste management practices across rural New Zealand.