Outdoor fire ban in place for Christchurch

1 May 2007

From today, the Christchurch City Council will no longer approve dispensations for Christchurch residents to light outdoor fires, in line with the Environment Canterbury winter fire ban which runs until September.

Those wanting to light an outdoor fire during the winter months – whether burning leaves in a drum or lighting a brazier -  must now apply for a resource consent from Environment Canterbury, the territorial authority responsible for improving air quality.

Banks Peninsula is the only exception. Rural residents can light open fires while those in urban areas of the Peninsula can apply for dispensations because Environment Canterbury’s authority is limited to the pre-amalgamation border of Christchurch City.

According to Environment Canterbury, it will take a tough stance on enforcement of the outdoor burning this winter with an instant fine of $300 issued for domestic outdoor burning offences and up to $1000 for industrial premises.

The aim is to clean up Christchurch’s air quality which, during the winter, exacerbates existing health problems among the population.  The Environment Canterbury hotline for reporting outdoor fires is 0800 765 588 or 366 4663.

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