Fire Safety
Find out more about fire protection in our forests.
Fire safety is crucial in our forests to safeguard our people, our community, our structures, and our forests.
If you see a fire, call 111 immediately.
We work closely with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), Department of Conservation, neighbouring forest estates and volunteer services to manage fires within our forests. We also provide access to a network of shared firefighting resources.
Fire safety is carefully monitored through our fire surveillance network of equipment and personnel, and information is collected daily from a network of remote automatic weather stations. From this data we calculate the level of fire risk and fire protection needed. Fire danger levels are shown on the fire danger signs located around our forest boundaries. Forest protection contractors based at the Rotoehu, Waiotapu, Murupara and Waimihia fire stores are then allocated daily lookout and standby duties.
Kaingaroa Tipu has a fleet of dedicated fire appliances located at each of our fire stores.
Deployments
Fighting wildfires is the best form of fire training and we support our firefighters being available for both national and international deployments. The team usually includes a mix of our staff and contractors, and in some cases a firefighter from another local agency, which helps to build collective skills and relationships.
Controlled burns
We undertake regular controlled burns as fire training exercises and to reduce post-harvest slash as a land preparation tool. Controlled burns are conducted in favourable weather conditions.
Restricted fire seasons
During a restricted fire season, all fires require a permit issued by FENZ. Restricted fire seasons are contingent on weather conditions and will be communicated by FENZ.
