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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

Prohibited Fire Season is now in force

Lighting of fires in the open are not permitted from the 29th January 2010 until further notice. A prohibited fire season imposes a total ban. No fire permits will be issued any pre-issued permits are as of today revoked.

For the Chatham Islands this will exclude BBQ (providing they are gas).

Total Fire Ban means no lighting of any fires including the Rubbish Dumps. Anyone found lighting fires during this Prohibited fire status will be issued an infringement.

If you require any further information regarding the fire season status, please contact the emergency management office on 305 0033.

Rana Solomon
Principal Rural Fire Officer
Chatham Islands Fire Authority