Common Consents & Permissions - Lighting an Outdoor Fire

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 1 year. Applications require an inspection and are processed within 7 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.

Fire Permit Not Required

Gas-fuelled barbecues and charcoal barbecues started with a liquid accelerant and fuelled by charcoal briquettes only, can be used anywhere at any time, no permit required.

Fire Permit Required

You need a permit for any open fire, including the following outdoor activities:

hangi
umu
non-gas barbecues
charcoal barbecues when using paper and wood
brazier
camp fires
chimenea
cooking fires
rubbish fires
incinerators

Apply for a Fire Permit

Fire permit applications usually take 5 - 7 working days to process and can be paid for in the Council Service Centre at 101 Wakefield Street.

Fire Permit Application (119Kb PDF)

Fire Permit Fees

Rural areas and beach - free
Urban areas - $25
Developers - $50

Beaches

The only beaches where you can have an open fire or non-gas barbecue (with a permit) are those at:

Houghton Bay
Princess Bay

A location inspection is required for each coastal fire permit application for these sites.

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