Outdoor burning is often a nuisance for neighbours and can be a health hazard. During winter, it may also contribute to poor air quality by adding to pollution caused by home heating and other sources. That is why Environment Canterbury has an Air Plan with rules that ban outdoor burning in residential areas across Canterbury and restrict burning in rural areas.
Variation 15 to the Natural Resources Regional Plan (Chapter 3= the Air Plan) proposes new rules that would allow people who live in residential areas and do not have kerbside collections or green waste transfer stations close to their township to have outdoor fires under certain conditions. Under Variation 15, only untreated wood, paper, cardboard or green waste could be burned.
Bans in place
Currently a ban on outdoor burning is in place on all residential properties in Canterbury.
What can I do with my rubbish instead?
The rules on outdoor burning apply as outlined below. Please be aware that fire authorities and district councils may have fire bans in place any time of the year for fire risk reasons. Also you need to check the conditions for outdoor burning (when and where permitted).
If you do light an outdoor fire without a resource consent when one is required, the consequences could include infringement notices ($300 for each domestic offence), abatement notices and enforcement orders. If the offending is persistent, it could lead to prosecution.
Outdoor burning on residential properties
Outdoor burning on properties zoned residential throughout Canterbury is not permitted at any time of the year without a resource consent from Environment Canterbury.
Note: Deposit for a resource consent is $1,280+ GST and there is no guarantee it will be granted. If you have obtained a resource consent for outdoor burning from Environment Canterbury, you will still have to comply with the safety requirements of your local district or city council. In addition to a resource consent from Environment Canterbury, further fire permits may be required from the Department of Conservation or the relevant Rural Fire Authority.
Conditions of outdoor burning
Where and when outdoor burning is permitted, it is subject to the following conditions:
- Only the following materials are allowed to be burnt: vegetation (including stubble and crop residue), paper, cardboard and untreated wood. It is an offence to burn any other materials.
- Any fire should not cause an offensive or objectionable effect beyond the boundary of the property where the fire is located. Whether an effect is offensive or objectionable is at the discretion of an Environment Canterbury enforcement officer.
Contact us for more information on the rules for outdoor burning.