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Emergency Management

The key activities of the Chatham Islands Council's emergency management role are civil defence, marine oil spills and rural fire. The Council will provide an efficient and effective system of emergency management that minimises the potential effect of all hazards on the community and the environment.

The Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002 imposed statutory obligations to carry out hazard-based risk management in four areas: reduction of risk, readiness for events, response and recovery after an event. Civil Defence training exercises were undertaken, a response team established and a welfare plan is in place. Welfare training has been undertaken by Council staff.

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Rural Fire

The Council is also a Rural Fire Authority under the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

Fire Status

Restricted Fire Season WARNING is still in force!

Fire permits must be obtained before any fires are lit in the open air, excluding gas BBQ, failing to obtain a permit may result in legal action and or fine.
Fire permits are an important legal process in fire management and crucial to any legal action initiated in the event a fire becomes out of control or permit conditions are not followed.

Fire permits can be obtained from the Council Office during office hours. Included in the application must be a fire plan of the intended burn, adequate water, and a safety margin.
Applications must be signed by the legal land owner and the person in charge of the fire.
Site inspection is to be carried out before a permit can be issued by the PRFO.
Once a permit has been issued, the permit holder must notify the Chatham Islands Rural Fire Authority or Principal Rural Fire Officer one hour before intended burn.
Notify neighbouring property owners that you intend to burn and must not burn when the wind can cause the fire, smoke or ash to become a nuisance.

Reminder that there is a total fire ban at the rubbish dumps, and only authorised persons are permitted to burn. If you require any further information regarding the fire season status, please contact the emergency management office 03 3050033. Note that the fire season status can change in a short period of time and move from Restricted to Total Fire Ban.

Contact
Rana Solomon (ERC, PRFO)
Emergency Management
Chatham Islands Council
Phone:03 3050033
Email: rana@cic.govt.nz