We’ve talked before about fire restrictions at Kiwiburn, and we know it’s something many of you are thinking about – especially given how the weather’s been this summer.
At the time of writing, Hunterville is in a Low Fire Danger rating with an Open Fire Season. That means fire is currently allowed within Kiwiburn’s usual rules. However – and this is the important part – fire season status can change, sometimes quickly.
BIt’s not just about the weather. Dryness, wind, and heat all matter. But there’s another big factor that’s just as important – fire response in this area relies on volunteer crews, and those volunteers are currently stretched thin. If local crews are tired, over-committed, or don’t have the capacity to safely respond, fire restrictions can be increased – even if the weather still looks okay.
If we move to a Restricted Fire Season, fire performance and FAST-approved braziers would still be allowed.
If we move to a Prohibited Fire Season, neither fire performance nor braziers would be allowed.
Either way, in anything other than an Open Fire Season, the burning of the Effigy and Temple would be very unlikely.
Fire rules aren’t just guidelines, they’re about real people and real risk. Adhering to fire restrictions (not ignoring or bending them) ensures:
- The safety of participants, volunteers, neighbours, landowners, and the environment
- No additional pressure is applied to already-stretched emergency services
- Our ongoing ability to run future Kiwiburn events
- We maintain our relationship of trust with the local community, emergency services and volunteer groups
We know that’s what everyone wants and reflects our Principles of Civic Duty, Communal Effort, and Leave No Trace.
If anything changes, we’ll let you know as soon as we can and be clear about what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Thanks for being thoughtful, responsible humans.
Image Credit: Daniel Wagner
