30 July 2007
Following the consideration of submissions, Council adopted the Waipa District Fire Control Bylaw 2007 on June 26 which became operative on July 2.
Since 2000, residents have been required to obtain a permit for outdoor fires in Cambridge and Te Awamutu. The new Fire Bylaw requires a permit for fires within any of the following areas:
- the urban areas of Cambridge (including Leamington and Fencourt)
- Te Awamutu
- Kihikihi
- Pirongia,
- Ohaupo
- Karapiro
- Ngahinapouri
- Rukuhia (including the rural residential areas)
- Te Pahu
- Tokanui
- and any area within 100m of the boundary of these townships
This is to ensure that neighbours and other residents will not be affected by open flames, smoke or sparks. Any fire lit outside these areas does not require a permit unless it is within the restricted fire season (1 December – 31 March), which is publicly notified by Council.
Residents are permitted to use barbeques, braziers and traditional cooking fires without obtaining a permit, but they must ensure that they do not create a smoke or ash nuisance, or fire safety risk for neighbours.
The Bylaw also includes rules around fires in buildings, and the storage and disposal of flammable materials. Council has the ability to extinguish fires that are in breach of the Bylaw; Bylaw breaches can lead to fines of up to $20,000.
The Waipa District Fire Control Bylaw 2007 is available for public viewing at any Council office or library, and is also on Council’s website by clicking here.