End-of-season stubble burning reminders
The crop residue burning season is nearly finished in Waitaha/Canterbury.
If you still have crop stubble to burn over the next few weeks, here are some reminders on how to burn safely and responsibly.
- Check rules and restrictions: Outdoor burning restrictions have just been lifted for most of our region, but this does not guarantee safe burning conditions. Always visit Checkitsalright before you light to check whether you can burn in your area and whether you’ll need a permit.
- Follow safe techniques: Check out this video from Fire and Emergency New Zealand about how to ensure a safe and successful crop residue burn.
- Create a smoke plan: This is a legal requirement, and you must be able to show your smoke plan to Fire and Emergency and our staff on request. Download our easy-to-follow smoke management template (PDF file, 101.68KB)
- Pay close attention to the weather: It goes without saying that in high winds, you shouldn’t start a crop residue burn or any type of outdoor burn. Choose days with light winds that will help disperse the smoke.
- Be a good neighbour: Displaying ‘controlled burn’ signs on road boundaries. This helps reassure everyone that your burn is not a wildfire. Some Fire and Emergency offices and fire stations have signs available to lend out.
- Extinguish fully: When your burn is finished, double and triple check the fire is completely extinguished. Drive or walk the perimeter of your burn to ensure wind is not taking hot ash beyond the firebreak.
Report problems with outdoor burns
Crop residue burning is a permitted activity in Waitaha when the rules and regulations are followed. If outdoor burning, including stubble burning, is causing a nuisance over a property boundary, you can report it to us.
If you’re concerned about the safety of people, animals or property, call 111.
More information about outdoor burning
- Find out more on our outdoor burning page or read section 7 of the Canterbury Air Regional Plan (CARP).
- Read Fire and Emergency's guide to crop residue burning