Firesmart Naseby

22/04/2026

🥶 Maniototo – Winter is on the way! 🔥

While we’re still in autumn, the colder mornings and nights are starting to creep in. Across the Maniototo, fires are getting lit again and electric blankets are coming out of the cupboard.

Now’s the perfect time to get on top of a few simple things to keep you and your whānau safe this winter 👇

✅ Check your smoke alarms are working
✅ Get your chimney cleaned before heavy use
✅ Dust off and test those electric blankets
✅ Keep anything that can burn at least a metre away from heaters
✅ Clean your rangehood and check power cords for damage
✅ Have a chat with your household about your escape plan

We’ve attached a quick Winter Fire Safety Bingo – see how many points you can tick off! Let us know how you score 👀

A little bit of prep now can make a big difference later. Stay warm, stay safe Maniototo ❤️🔥

— Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade 🚒

15/04/2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Otago Central, Naseby and Lakes zones into a restricted fire season as of 8am on Wednesday 15 April, until further notice.

During a restricted fire season, anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire must first obtain a fire permit from Fire and Emergency.

The following special risk zones will remain in a prohibited fire season:
- Queenstown
- Lake Wānaka islands
- Lake Wakatipu islands
- Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve.

The section 52 prohibition of fireworks in Upper Waitaki, Central and Lakes fire zones will also be revoked at 8am on Wednesday 15 April, until further notice.

Fireworks will remain prohibited in the following special risk zones:
- Queenstown
- Lake Wānaka islands
- Lake Wakatipu islands
- Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve
- Glendhu Bluffs
- Naseby
- Lake Ōhau.

Otago District Commander, Deane Chalmers, says recent cooler weather has reduced the fire risk.

"South-westerly weather and shorter days mean the vegetation around the district is no longer as dry.

"Fires are less likely to start and will not spread as quickly in these conditions.

"But fires can start in Otago at any time of the year, which is why people must apply for a fire permit at www.checkitsalright.nz," Deane Chalmers says.

"This website will also tell you whether the conditions are safe and provide safety tips for your burn."

12/04/2026

Evacuation plan via Ridge Road and Channel Road

25/03/2026

We understand people in our communities are concerned about the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel, and it may be tempting to store extra fuel on your property. Fire and Emergency does not recommend this.

Fuel is a highly flammable substance, and storing large quantities of it comes with serious fire danger.

A fire involving fuel spreads rapidly and releases a lot of heat. Even a small spill can cause a devastating fire that will spread incredibly quickly.

Find further information on the storage of your existing fuel: www.epa.govt.nz/everyday-environment/petrol/

24/02/2026

Wednesday will be hot and windy in parts of inland Otago, which will push up the fire risk. Please don't light any outdoor fires on Wednesday, even if where you live is not already covered by a total fire ban.

There's never any need to guess whether it's OK to light a fire - just go to www.checkitsalright.nz and type in your location.

Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade Millers Flat Volunteer Fire Brigade Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade Omakau Fire Brigade Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade Glenorchy Volunteer Rural Fire Force Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Station Middlemarch Volunteer Fire Brigade Kingston volunteer fire brigade

Central Otago District Council Queenstown Lakes District Council Naseby Forest Recreation Area Teviot Valley Discussion Group Ida Valley Catchment Group Inc. Otago Federated Farmers

14/01/2026

Keep your guests well educated about the Fire risks in Naseby and make sure they are protected in your holiday home too.
Make sure your place is a Firesmart holiday home and have all the necessary info needed there to educate guests on home and town evacuation procedures, Naseby Forest Recreation Area closures and Fire/Fireworks bans, how to dispose of ash safely and more.
Contact Firesmart Naseby or the Naseby Fire Brigade for more information regarding Naseby specifically.

Holiday homes, baches and cribs get used by lots of people over summer.
Owners and guests both play a part.
If you are a guest and there are no working smoke alarms - leave a note for the owner.

14/01/2026

Don’t get complacent, stay vigilant.
Being Firesmart starts at home.
This is a good read on fire safety issues that need attention: Smoke detectors/alarms Cooking indoors Bbq cooking outdoors Lithium batteries

Go to https://checkitsalright.nz/ for more information.

There are fears New Zealanders are becoming more complacent around fire safety at home, Fire and Emergency says.

14/01/2026

🚗 History would say that the sun comes out once everyone is back at work.
If you delay your getaway to make the most of the good weather, a quick safety check before you go can make all the difference while your place is empty.

27/12/2025

Naseby has a Ban on Fireworks and is Restricted zone (Fires are by permit within 1km of the town and Forest unless it goes to Prohibited) because of the Wildfire Fire risk all year round.

Be Firesmart, protect our town and Forest.

A temporary ban on letting off fireworks comes into force tomorrow (Christmas Eve) in Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and Upper Waitaki.

Every year our firefighters have to drop what they're doing to put out fires started by fireworks. It's particularly common around New Year when people bring out their left-overs from Guy Fawkes without thinking that the fire risk is much higher now than it was in early November.

So on behalf of all our firefighters, please leave those backyard fireworks in the box and enjoy one of the public displays instead.

Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Station Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade Frankton Volunteer Fire Station Glenorchy Volunteer Rural Fire Force Kurow Volunteer Fire Brigade Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade Omakau Fire Brigade Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade Millers Flat Volunteer Fire Brigade

27/12/2025

🚗🔋 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲-𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝘀 🛩️🎮

Remote-controlled cars, planes, and other toys bring loads of fun these holidays, but it's important to look after the batteries.

🚗 Use the charger provided by the manufacturer.
🛩️ Never leave batteries charging unattended.
🎮 Charge on a flat, fire-resistant surface (not on carpets or other flammable materials).