Managing wildfire risk on your farm

Don’t be the spark

Across rural New Zealand, burn piles that haven’t been properly extinguished are one of the most common causes of wildfire. Even when they look cold, fires can smoulder underground for days or weeks, flaring up again when conditions turn hot, dry or windy. Before you light a fire, check the weather and your local fire season status at checkitsalright.nz. Once it’s lit, monitor it closely and make sure it’s fully out – not just cool on top.

Other common causes include hot works such as welding or grinding near dry grass, and machinery fires, where exhaust systems or sparks from metal striking rock can ignite nearby vegetation. Always consider the conditions you’re working in – if the grass is dry and the wind is up, take extra care or delay the job until it’s safer. Keep firefighting equipment and a water source nearby, and make sure anyone on farm knows how to use it.

Be prepared and plan ahead

Preparedness is about more than just prevention – it’s about being ready if a fire does start. FMG and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have worked together to create a resource around on-farm firefighting water supply, including advice on access for fire appliances. Fire trucks need at least 4 metres of width and 4 metres of clearance to enter a property safely. Think about your driveway: are there low branches, narrow gates or unrated bridges that could slow a response? Having a Plan B access route, clear property signage, and visible RAPID numbers can make a big difference in an emergency. So too can creating defendable space around key assets – ideally 10 metres immediately around buildings, and up to 30 metres where possible. Keep grass low, clear gutters and rubbish, and remove anything that could act as fuel, including low tree branches and flammable plants close to structures.

Think about people, livestock and neighbours

Every property should have a farm wildfire plan that includes people, livestock and evacuation routes. Make sure everyone knows the plan and the property address so they can direct emergency services if needed. If you live in a remote area, talk with your neighbours – agreeing on a shared meeting point, like a local hall, can make coordination easier if you need to evacuate.

Reduce fuel and plan for the future

Water tanks with firefighting couplings and choose building materials that reduce fire risk. A little foresight now can prevent a lot of heartache later. By managing the risks and staying alert to conditions, farmers and growers can play a vital role in protecting not only their own properties – but their wider communities too.

Practical ways to reduce wildfire risk on farm

Before lighting fires

• Check the fire season status and conditions at checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fire or carrying out hot works.
• Avoid lighting burn piles in dry, hot, or windy weather.
• Supervise burn piles while they are active, and fully extinguish them – dig in to ensure there are no smouldering embers below the surface.
• Keep firefighting equipment and a water source close by when burning or doing hot works.

When using machinery or doing hot work

• Avoid welding, grinding, or cutting in or near dry vegetation.
• Clear grass and debris from around work areas.
• Maintain machinery to reduce the risk of exhaust or engine fires.
• Watch for sparks when metal strikes rock or when using steel tracks or blades in dry paddocks. Property access and water supply
• Ensure your driveway and gates have at least 4m width and 4m height clearance for fire appliances.
• Check that bridges, culverts, and driveways can handle the weight of a fire appliance.
• Create a hardstand near water sources so a tanker can refill safely.
• Install firefighting couplings on water tanks and consider upsizing tanks when upgrading infrastructure.
• Make sure RAPID numbers and farm names are clearly visible from the road.

Preparedness and defendable space

• Maintain 10 m of clear space immediately around homes and buildings, and ideally up to 30 m.
• Keep grass short and remove dry vegetation, debris, and rubbish.
• Clean gutters and remove leaves, branches, and other potential fuel.
• Thin trees, prune low branches (ladder fuels), and create fire breaks or gaps between shelterbelts.
• Choose low-flammability plant species near buildings.

Planning for people and animals

• Develop and communicate a farm wildfire plan – everyone on farm should know what to do and where to go.
• Make sure all workers and family members know the property’s address and how to contact emergency services.
• Plan evacuation routes for people and livestock, and identify safe holding areas for stock.
• Talk with neighbours about shared evacuation plans or local gathering points (e.g. a community hall).

Long-term prevention

• Regularly review and reduce fuel loads across the property.
• Consider fire-resistant materials when building or upgrading structures.
• Review insurance cover and understand your risks before the summer season.