Waikouaiti Volunteer Fire Brigade

28/01/2026

The next few days are forecast to be windy in several parts of Otago, so please take extra care if you're planning an outdoor fire. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz first to see whether you need a fire permit and always look at the weather forecast before you light up.
Otago Federated Farmers Federated Farmers - North Otago Otago Rural Support Trust OCC - Otago Rural Women New Zealand North Otago Tarras Community Naseby Forest Recreation Area Ida Valley Catchment Group Inc. NOSLaM - North Otago Sustainable Land Management

21/10/2025

❗️Warnings are in place for strong winds across Otago. This means that any fires will be very hard to control, so we need your help.
• Please do not light any outdoor fires until at least Monday.
• Do not let off any fireworks
• If you have lit fires in the last few weeks, please go back and check that they are completely out. If you see any sign of heat or smoke in old burn piles, forestry slash or rubbish holes, please douse them completely with water until they are totally cold.
• Call 111 at the first sign of fire ❗️
Queenstown Lakes District Council Clutha District Council Stronger Waitaki Otago District Council

14/04/2025

Please notify us if you are lighting a large fire, even in open season.

You can notify us by calling our Southern Fire Communications non-emergency number 03 341 0266, by visiting our fire permit page and clicking on the tile labeled "Lighting a fire in open fire season?" or use the link below to enter the address of the fire:
https://www.firepermit.nz/FENZ/Cap/CapApplyDisclaimer.aspx?type=1002&CAPType=Permits/Fire/Notification/NA&module=Permits&IsSkipDisclaimer=Y

27/02/2025

Lighting fires at beaches and reserves poses risks to our local wildlife and vegetation.

🔥 We’ve noticed an increase in fires being lit at beaches across Ōtepoti Dunedin and are reminding Dunedinites that under the Reserves and Beaches Bylaw 2017 no fire may be lit, or fireworks be set off at our reserves and beaches.

⛱ Wind and flammable materials mean what may seem like a casual bonfire can quickly become larger and catch light elsewhere at our beaches and reserves. It would only take one wayward flame to cause damage to these spaces.

🐧 The presence of fires at reserves and beaches harms the habitats of our taoka wildlife that rest and play along our coast and in our bushes. With nowhere else to go, harming these spaces directly impacts our wildlife and the conservation efforts by our local communities.

😬 Besides, if caught lighting a fire or setting off fireworks where you shouldn’t, it could cost you a gnarly fine.

🌌 We know toasted marshmallows and clear starry skies are a fun vibe during the warmer months, but perhaps it’s better to melt those marshmallows in a hot chocolate or toast them at home instead.

ℹ️ The Reserves and Beaches Bylaw 2017 can be found at www.dunedin.govt.nz/council/policies,-plans-and-strategies/bylaws/reserves-bylaw

📸 Image: sunset over hills and beach at St Kilda/St Clair, with ocean, sand and people. Taken by Grace MC.

01/02/2025

24/01/2025

This map shows the fire season status as of 9am 24/01/2025.

🔥 Before lighting any fires, go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out if it’s safe to do so
🔥 If it is safe to do so, don’t leave them unattended and ensure they’re completely extinguished afterwards
🔥 Avoid using powertools, mowing the lawn, or parking cars in dry grass – especially if it’s hot and windy

🔴 If your area is in a red zone, there is a total fire ban. No fires are permitted.
🟡 If your area is in a yellow zone, you may need to apply for a permit. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check and apply.
🟢 If your area is in a green zone, you do not need a permit but go to www.checkitsalright.nz for safety tips before lighting.

Remember, the fire season status can change at any time.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for the latest information.

22/01/2025

Fire and Emergency NZ have declared a restricted fire season for the Dunedin and Clutha zones as of 23rd January.

Please go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any outdoor fires or engaging in heat or spark generating activities, such as using power tools and mowing long grass.
The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity, provides fire safety advice, and tells you what fire restrictions your location is under if you aren’t sure.

10/01/2025

This map shows the fire season status as of 9am 10/01/2025.

While some parts of the motu have experienced cooler weather and rain lately, it doesn’t take long for grass and scrub to dry out under the summer sun 🌞 Know your local fire danger.

We’re urging everyone to remain vigilant and continue practicing fire safety.
🔴 If your area is in a red zone, there is a total fire ban. No fires are permitted.
🟡 If your area is in a yellow zone, you may need to apply for a permit. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check and apply.
🟢 If your area is in a green zone, you do not need a permit but go to www.checkitsalright.nz for safety tips before lighting.

Remember, the fire season status can change at any time.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for the latest information.

08/01/2025

Our thoughts are with the firefighters and communities of Los Angeles as they face the devastation of multiple wildfires that continue to burn across the county.

As tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate, it’s a crucial reminder for all of us to reflect on our own wildfire escape plans.

Think about where you live. Are you surrounded by green space? Do you live near a large forest? As we have seen in California, you don’t have to live rurally to be affected by wildfire.

Ask yourself, are you prepared to leave your home if a wildfire is approaching?
• Do you have a grab bag of essential items?
• Are your grab bags and escape plans tailored to your whānau? You may have babies, people with disabilities or medical needs that require extra assistance.
• Do you have a plan for your animals or livestock?
• Do you have a meeting place?

If you don’t have the answers to these questions, create your plan today.

To the firefighters and communities of Los Angeles, kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast. ❤

📸: AP Photo/LA County Fire Department

Sort your plan 👉 https://www.fireandemergency.nz/outdoor-and-rural-fire-safety/when-wildfire-threatens/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHrx6RleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWWyFUnxKRJqmp5heV6yWNWCYWGupSXUH8CPl8e9FxqVl0soL_jVNruSzg_aem_WGnURZkQxdx_z7tv3hV2ow

15/12/2024

11/12/2024

NEXT WEEK - WEDNESDAY