Fire recovery
What to do during and after a fire, and how to prepare for the next one.
Fires can be hugely damaging to rural areas and take years or even decades to recover from. Rural communities are often at greater risk from fires due to natural fuels on properties such as trees, crops, scrub and vegetation, and the nature of farm work which involves machinery, fuel or outdoor burning. Being more remote geographically means fires take longer to detect and response times can be slower.
Before a fire - Reduce fire risk on your property
Investing time to make a plan and taking some simple actions to reduce fire-risk on your property could pay-off in a major way during a fire event.
Visit FENZ’s rural resources for guidance and a checklist of actions to take to improve your farm’s resilience against fires.
Key actions to reduce fire risk
Explore the guidance below to learn about burn-offs, wilding pine management and preparing your property for fire.
Burn-off management
Burn-offs for land management purposes must contained within the area to be burnt and must not present any danger to life, neighbouring property or the environment.
Read the guide on stubble burning (PDF file, 1MB): Fire and Emergency New Zealand's guide gives advice on things such as firebreaks, weather, the right way to light, and insurance. Our rules for crop and outdoor burning can be found here.
Before burning, ensure you're following these "must-dos" for a safe, efficient and nuisance-free burn:
- Check it's alright to light: Visit checkitsalright.nz and use the three-step tool to find out if you can light your fire, what the fire risk is, and what you should do to stay safe.
- Complete a smoke management plan: This is a legal requirement. The plan covers things such as the material that is being burnt, the weather forecast and who may be affected. Download the Smoke Management Plan - Template (PDF filet, 101.68KB)
- Understand the Canterbury Air Regional Plan (CARP): The CARP lays out the rules and regulations for burning. It's especially important to understand section 7 of the plan. Learn more and download the Canterbury Air Regional Plan (CARP)
- Check you're not burning in a buffer zone: Burning in buffer zones around Ashburton or Timaru require resource consent. If you’re unsure whether you’re in a buffer zone, view Canterbury maps, or call us on 0800 324 636 for advice.
Burn-off guidance and resources
- Read Fire and Emergency New Zealand's stubble burning guide for advice on firebreaks, weather conditions, lighting techniques and insurance considerations
- View crop and outdoor burning rules
- Find additional guidance from FENZ for rural properties on Planning and advice for farmers and rural businesses
Wildfires and wilding pine control
The Lake Ōhau, Pukaki and Port Hills fires show how quickly fires can escalate in dry conditions, and the devastation they can cause. These fires clearly demonstrate the fire hazard associated with wilding pines.
Everyone can play a role in controlling wilding pines in Waitaha. Whether you’re a landowner, recreation user, community group or business, early and practical action helps stop the spread of these invasive pest trees.
Wilding pine resources
- Learn how to control wilding pines on your property, access support available to landowners, and find guidance on fire management and dead tree clean-up following control work.
Understand the Canterbury Air Regional Plan
The plan lays out the rules and regulations for burning. It's especially important to understand section 7 of the plan.
- Learn more about the Canterbury Air Regional Plan (CARP) and download the plan
- Contact our Advisory Team if you have questions about this or need further information,
During a fire - Stay safe and get emergency information
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) FENZ is the lead agency during a wildfire. Follow their updates for up-to-date information on the fire and any immediate action you need to take. If you see a fire or are in immediate danger, call 111 immediately.
You can also find up-to-date information on local road closures, welfare centres and other supports from your local council which may have activated a civil defence response.
Environment Canterbury supports wildfire response and recovery by:
- Monitoring and regulating air quality – which includes outdoor burning
- Dealing with contaminated land
- Ensuring any clean-up activities comply with the RMA
- Reducing the fire risk from wilding pines.
After a fire - managing the clean-up
The impact of a fire can be deeply distressing for communities and landowners. Alongside the human response, we need to make sure that recovery work minimises environmental harm while supporting people throughout the clean-up process.
As recovery gets underway, it is important that debris removal, soil management, and rebuilding preparations are carried out safely, responsibly, and cost‑effectively.
Key recovery actions
Explore the guidance below to understand who does what, how to manage fire debris and contaminated land, and what you need to do to support a safe environmental recovery.
Roles and responsibilities
- Regional councils focus on managing and controlling discharges during clean-up activities, providing technical advice on contaminated land issues and providing guidance on where waste material should go.
- Local councils are responsible for rules and decisions relating to land use, rebuilding approvals, and future site development.
- Matters relating to demolition processes, insurance, or cost recovery are generally handled between residents, insurers, and contractors.
- Residents or landowners seeking access to affected sites or information about validation, rebuilding, or compliance requirements should contact their local council.
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Some irrigation schemes are specifically permitted to undertake emergency works under s331AA of the Resource Management Act. If you are a member of an irrigation scheme contact them and see what local support they can offer or plans they have in place.
Managing fire debris and contaminated soil
Ash and debris left behind after a house or building fire can pose a risk to soil quality. Materials commonly found in homes and sheds - like treated timber, vehicles, electronics, plastics, carpets, and household chemicals - can release contaminants when burned.
It is essential that fire debris and ash are removed from affected properties and that remaining soils are assessed to confirm they are safe for ongoing residential use. Appropriate clean-up helps reduce health risks and supports safe rebuilding.
Get advice on clean-up
- Contact our advisory team, and we can give you advice best-practice approaches to waste removal, soil remediation, and disposal methods that minimise environmental effects and manage costs.
- In many cases, independent specialist advice is required to oversee clean-up activities, manage potential contamination, and confirm that sites have been properly remediated and verified as non-hazardous.
Managing potentially contaminated sites
The following areas should be considered during fire recovery and site clearance:
Waste management and disposal
When clearing a fire-affected site:
- Cover or fully contain all truck loads transporting fire debris or soil to prevent material loss during transit.
- Transport waste directly to an approved disposal facility, avoiding temporary storage wherever possible.
- Consider recycling where you can - some materials, such as concrete footings may be suitable for recycling or hardfill disposal.
- Only dispose of ash, burnt debris, and affected soil at a landfill or facility authorised to accept contaminated material.
- If waste is transported outside the local region, ensure it is taken to a facility that is legally permitted to receive such waste.
Keep disposal records
All waste movements must be documented and records retained. Disposal documentation typically includes:
- The name of the company handling the waste
- Collection and receipt dates and times
- The origin of the waste
- The type and volume of waste
- The final disposal location
Landfills and transport operators will normally provide this documentation, including a completed waste manifest.
Contaminated land assessment
Fire debris can affect soil quality and it’s important it is assessed properly to ensure it is safe for future use. Following a fire:
- Engage a suitably qualified and experienced professional to assess sites and carry out soil validation sampling
- Coordinate assessment methods with relevant environmental authorities to ensure robust results
- Producie a validation report confirming that soil is suitable for ongoing residential use
Local authorities ultimately determine whether land is safe for future use. Fire response agencies typically use approved fire suppressants and retardants during suppression activities.
Erosion and sediment control
Fire-damaged sites are vulnerable to erosion and sediment run‑off, particularly during rainfall. Effective erosion and sediment control measures help protect nearby waterways and sensitive environments.
Recommended measures include:
- Divert clean water away from disturbed areas
- Use soil binders to reduce erosion risk
- Roughen soil surfaces on moderate slopes to slow water flow
- Install contour drains to control run‑off on steeper slopes
- Create stabilised access points to minimise soil tracking by vehicles
Many of these measures are simple, proven, and cost‑effective when applied during site clearance and remediation. Learn more about erosion and sediment control