Fire plan 2014-2016
Public version
BC4019
Auckland Rural
Fire Authority
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose
1.2. Plan review and approval
1.3. Auckland Rural Fire District
1.4. Structure of this plan
1.5.Legislation
1.6. Amendments
1.7. Aims and goals of this plan
1.8. Responsibilities and duties of the Authority
1.9. Other legislative requirements
1.10.Administration
1.11. Conflicts of interest
1.12.Funding
1.13. Rural Fire Officers
1.14. The New Zealand Fire Service
1.15. Health and Safety
1.16. Distribution list
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6
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6-7
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2. Reduction
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
2.7.
2.8.
2.9.
2.10.
2.11.
Hazard management / risk management statement
Risk management
Hazard management
Strategic water supplies
Fire prevention
Additonal information
Firebreak specifications
Fire protection works
Charging for services
Identification of hazardous buildings
National Rural Fire Authority Standards
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11-13
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3. Readiness
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
3.7.
3.8.
3.9.
3.10.
3.11.
3.12.
3.13.
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Priorities for firefighting
Health and Safety in training
Readiness policy and procedures
Rural Fire Authority map
Duties to respond to and powers at fires
Committee structure chart
Authority responsibilities and chain of command
Details of training arrangements
Funding provisions for fire control measures
Stakeholders of the Authority
Radio call signs
Resources available
Arrangements or agreements made under section 14, 15 or 16 of the
Forest and Rural Fires Act
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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15
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15
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17-18
18-19
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3.14. Agreements between the Authority and Voluntary Rural Fire Forces
or persons for the delivery of fire
3.15.Fires
3.16. Fire equipment
3.17. Incident management team
3.18. Specially protected areas
3.19. Fire seasons
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22-23
3.20. Additional details
25-26
4. Response
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
4.8.
4.9.
4.10.
4.11.
4.12.
4.13.
4.14.
4.15.
4.16.
4.17.
4.18.
4.19.
4.20.
4.21.
4.22.
4.23.
4.24.
How the Authority receives and deals with calls for assistance at a fire
Duties to respond
Fire ground command structure
Incident management teams
Initial response of the authority to a fire
Notification to key stakeholders
Greater alarm response procedures for the District
Actions by appropriate NZFS brigades or VRFF
Additional actions required
The role of the Principal Rural Fire Officer
The role of the Rural Fire Officer
Incident controller
Additional fire-fighting resources are deployed if extended action is required
Command and control at a fire
Use of suppressants and retardants
Conversation or riparian areas
Short crew response
Health and safety
Rations at fires
Fire direction signs
Use of breathing apparatus
Effective communications
Other relevant matters
Support for other fire Authorities
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28-30
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31-32
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32-33
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33-34
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34-36
36-37
37-38
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38-39
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39-40
40-43
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5. Recovery
5.1.Rehabilitation
5.2. Critical incident stress management
5.3. Operational debriefs
5.4. Other recovery activities that occurs after a fire has been contained
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44
44-45
45
6. Maps, definition and approval
6.1.
6.2
Auckland Rural Fire District Boundary
Definitions and interpretations
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47
For the purpose of this Fire Plan, where the position of Principal Rural Fire Officer (PRFO) is mentioned, officers
appointed as Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers (DPRFO) hold the same powers as the Principal Rural Fire Officer.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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1. Introduction
1.1.Purpose
The Auckland Council (AC) as the Fire Authority (the
Authority) for the Auckland Rural Fire District (ARFD)
have prepared this Fire Plan to meet the requirements
of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 and the Forest
and Rural Fires Regulations 2005 and the Auckland
Council outdoor fire safety bylaw.
It outlines the policy and procedures of the Authority
with respect to the promotion and execution of fire
control and reduction through the 4Rs approach to
emergency management, being Reduction, Readiness,
Response and Recovery, within the District.
1.2. Plan review and approval
This plan is required to be endorsed by the Auckland
Rural Fire Authority – Governance Advisory Group
and approved by the Chief Executive Officer of the
Auckland Council.
The readiness and response sections of this plan will be
reviewed every two years.
The reduction and readiness section of this plan will be
reviewed every five years.
The review requirements do not exclude the review of
a specific section or the plan in its entirety should the
need arise. As and when required the Auckland Rural
Fire Authority – Governance Advisory Group will adopt
this plan and any amendments by way of resolution
that will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
1.3. Auckland Rural Fire District
The District comprises all lands, excluding the NZ Fire
Service (NZFS) urban fire district, within the Auckland
Council (AC) Region and includes the Islands of the
Hauraki Gulf and those lands administered by the
Department of Conservation (DOC) plus the Kermadec
Island group.
Increasing urban development is occurring within
the rural areas, as people are attracted to a rural
lifestyle within an easy commuting distance of
metropolitan Auckland. With the increase of works
and infrastructure outside of metropolitan Auckland,
development is expected to increase. This will bring
a corresponding increase in the values at risk and the
potential for wildfires.
The region includes large areas of public recreation,
leisure and tourism. This results in seasonal
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
fluctuations in the population and demands on
recreational space. Fire prevention measures are
considered to incorporate these changes to mitigate
any increased fire risks or threats. These measures
will be developed and implemented in line with the
National Rural Fire Authority’s (NRFA) Fire Smart
programme, the Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS) and
the Wildfire Threat Analysis (WTA).
The vegetation varies considerably with areas of
comparatively volatile fuel species, forest and
developing areas of regenerating scrubland. There are
also areas of coastal village development, many of
them in scrubland. Increased recreational demands and
the seasonal growth of population pose a significant
risk of fire. Across the region the rural urban interface
with small urban styled subdivisions, lifestyle blocks,
small rural communities and villages create a number
of challenges when mitigating the threats and risks
associated with rural fire.
The coastal areas carry particularly volatile coastal
scrub and are often subject to extreme weather
conditions. Risks in remote areas and on islands are
increased by a range of alternative heating, cooking,
lighting and power sources requiring the storage of
large quantities of highly flammable liquid fuels, solid
fuels and liquefied gas.
Rural land use and land cover varies greatly across the
region with a mix of pastoral, horticulture and forestry
in the northern and southern areas as well as the large
areas of native bush and regenerating scrub, often with
high environmental and conservation values.
Major transport routes exist across the region including
state highways, arterial roads, main trunk railway,
air traffic corridors for the Auckland international
airport, Whenuapai airbase and several smaller airports
and aerodromes as well as shipping and recreational
boating routes close to land.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has numerous
areas of estate of varying size and significance across
the region.
Within the District, areas exist that have over riding
air quality management rules. These areas must be
considered when those within these areas wish to light
fires in the open air. These maps are available upon
request to AC.
The climate is also variable with rainfall on the western
(coastal) area of approx. 1400 mm per year, and the
eastern area of approx. 1000mm per year. Winds are
predominantly south westerly and can be quite strong
in exposed areas.
The firefighting resources of the Authority include
the Voluntary Rural Fire Forces (VRFFs) located
at Ahuroa, Awhitu, Bethells Valley, Great Barrier
Island, Hunua, Karekare, Kaukapakapa, Kawau Island,
Matakana, Muriwai, Orere Point, Puhoi, Shelly Beach
and Waitakere. Additional resources include those
firefighting resources of stakeholders of the ARFD
including DOC and forest owners. The NZFS performs
a major role in initial attack fire suppression through
their urban brigades comprising both paid and
volunteer staff throughout the region.
A Section 15 agreement between the Authority and
the NZFS exists to enable the NZFS to provide fire
suppression activities on behalf of the Authority where
required. Section 38 agreements also exist between
the Authority and the NZFS in relationship to the
Waiau Pa, Waitakere, Muriwai and Matakana Volunteer
Fire Brigades. There is however no NZFS presence on
Great Barrier or Kawau Island, where the VRFF act as
first responders to all emergency incidents, including
structure and vegetation fires.
With the considerable involvement of the NZFS and
direct interaction with VRFFs within the region, fire
suppression procedures and tactics generally follow
basic NZFS standard operating procedures; with the
Authority’s own relevant policies and procedures as
shown in this fire plan overlaid where operationally
necessary. The Authority acknowledges the importance
of VRFF volunteers achieving and maintaining currency
of firefighting skills and competencies of the NRFA
minimum standards and those of the NZFS. Such
competencies provide appropriate response capabilities
to whatever situation they are called to with
comprehensive fire fighter safety considerations.
The management of the Authority includes a number
of agreements with outside agencies; these agreements
are shown in later sections of this fire plan.
1.4. Structure of this plan
This Fire Plan is completed in compliance with Section
39 of the Forest and Rural Fires Regulations 2005.
Those Regulations specify in detail the required
structure and content of Rural Fire Plans. This Fire Plan
is arranged into the following sections:
1.Introduction to the fire plan which provides the context within which the Authority undertakes
ruralfire operations and management.
2.Reduction the policies and procedures to reduce the likelihood and consequence of fires
3.Readiness the policies and procedures in relation to readiness for firefighting events.
4.Response the policies and procedures for response to fire events.
5.Recovery the policies and procedures for activities following fire events.
6.Maps
1.5.Legislation
This Fire Plan implements the Auckland Rural Fire
District’s responsibilities under the Forest and Rural
Fires Act1977, any amendments of that act, the
Fire Service Act 1975 and the Forest and Rural Fires
Regulations 2005.
The Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 bestows certain
responsibilities and powers on the Auckland Rural Fire
Authority.
A key responsibility is to prepare and maintain a Rural
Fire Plan in a prescribed format, and to make this plan
available for public viewing. This Fire Plan fulfils this
requirement.
Pursuant to regulation 39 to 46 of the Forest and Rural
Fires Regulations 2005 this fire plan is adopted as the
Auckland Rural Fire District Fire Plan.
1.6.Amendments
Amendments that are made to this plan will only be
done so with the approval of the Auckland Rural Fire
District Principal Rural fire Officer and reported to the
Governance Advisory Group.
All amendments will be recorded and distributed to
plan holders on the distribution list.
Date
October
2014
Reference number
Change Part
To date no amendments have been
made to this document.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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1.7. Aims and goals of this plan
The aim of this plan is to outline the policies, processes
and procedures for the effective management of rural
fire within the District. The goal of the Authority is to
safeguard life, property and the environment through
effective prevention, detection, control, restriction,
suppression and extinguishment of fires within the
District.
In order to meet its obligations, the Authority has
adopted a number of policies and procedures which are
documented in this fire plan. In general, the Authority
will:
• prepare and maintain a Fire Plan
• be consistent with and give full effect to the
statutory requirements of the Forest and Rural Fires
Act 1977 and Forest and Rural Fires Regulations
2005
• meet the national standards as set down by the
NRFA
• implement fire control measures including:
˚ Prevention, detection, control, restriction, suppression and extinguishment of fire; and
˚ Safeguarding life and property from damage and risk of damage by or in relation to fire; and
• all measures conducive to or intended to further or
effect such prevention, detection, control, restriction,
suppression and extinguishment or safeguarding
• maintain liaison with all stakeholders of the
Authority including the NZFS, NRFA, DOC,
commercial forest owners; neighbouring
authorities and other organisations to enable
effective prevention, detection, control, restriction,
suppression and extinguishment or safeguarding
• maintain an effective and efficient rural fire fighting
capacity in partnership with our stakeholders
• ensure rural fire fighting staff and volunteers adhere
to safe practices
• facilitate training to ensure those undertaking rural
fire fighting meet or are competent to the prescribed
NRFA core competencies and minimum training
standards and the Authority’s training requirements
• operate a cost effective service, endeavouring to recover
fire suppression costs where prudent to do so.
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
1.8. Responsibilities and duties of
the Authority
Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977
This act establishes Rural Fire Authorities (RFA) and
sets out their duties, powers and functions as well
as the powers and functions of Principal Rural Fire
Officers (PRFO) and Rural Fire Officers (RFO).
Each RFA must promote and carry out fire control
measures within its district and in the interests of
public safety, take appropriate fire control measures,
including in particular:
• observation of weather and conditions and
subsequent assessment of fire hazards; and
• the giving of warnings of the imminence of fire
hazard conditions; and
• the giving of any information available in relation to
fire hazard conditions
• the declaration of restricted and prohibited fire
seasons
• the appointment of RFOs
• the control and administration of the fire permit
system
• enforcement of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977
and Regulations 2005
• the detection, suppression and extinguishment of all
fires within the district
• ensure safe and effective use of fire as a land
management tool.
1.9. Other legislative requirements
1.9.1. Resource Management Act 1991
The purpose of this act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. The Act defines how controls on the release of substances to the air, land and water are to be managed. Council functions with
respect to the control of such discharges are defined, as are the functions of local councils with respect to the control and use of land.
The Act specifies requirements for Regional Statements and Regional and District Plans.
The AC meets this requirement through the Auckland Council Regional Plan: Air, Land and
Water 2005. Further information on this regional
plan can be found at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
1.9.2. Fire Service Act 1975
This Act establishes the NZFS and the Fire Service Commission. The Act states the Fire
Service Commission is also the NRFA. The
function of the NRFA is to encourage and
promote effective fire control measures in rural New Zealand.
1.9.3. Other legislation
There are a number of other statutes that have
an impact on the control and management of
rural fire including:
• Local Government Act 2002
• Conservation Act 1987
• Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992
• Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act
1996
• Health Act 1956.
1.10.Administration
In order to discharge the statutory duties imposed
on the Authority by Section 12 of the Forest and
Rural Fires Act 1977, and the Forest and Rural Fires
Regulations 2005, that require the Authority to
promote and carry out fire control measures within
its district, the following policy documents and
agreements have been established:
• Section 15 and Section 38 Agreements with the
New Zealand Fire Service
• this Fire Plan
• constitutional agreements with each of the
Voluntary Rural Fire Forces
• service level agreements with each of the Voluntary
Rural Fire Forces
• service level agreements with key stakeholders and
other organisations.
Reference is made to the New Zealand Fire Service
Communications Centres Statement of Service
Performance which defines standards of services
provided by Communications Centres (Comcens)
to Rural Fire Authorities to assist them to meet the
obligations of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977. This
helps to ensure the public receive the highest quality
emergency services response.
1.10.1.
Executive fire management
The Governance Advisory Group is comprised of senior executives from the stakeholder groups
of the AC, DOC, NZFS and forest owners association. This group provides high-level advice to the Authority on the policy of the ARFD.
The Stakeholder Operations Advisory Group (SOAG) is comprised of representatives from the ARFD stakeholder groups who are rural fire practitioners. The core focus of this group is to provide advice to the PRFO and management
group for the effective implementation of the operational objectives set out in the ARFD fire plan, policies and procedural documents.
1.11. Conflict of Interest
The Auckland Rural Fire Authority is aware that on
occasion those involved in the management of a
suppression event may have a pecuniary conflict of
interest if they, or the organisation they work for are
in a position to supply resources to a fire suppression
event for which they receive financial gain.
Another form of conflict may develop if those
directing suppression resources do so to protect assets
owned by themselves or by someone with whom
they have a relationship with (e.g. an employer) in
preference to others.
The issue of conflict will be actively managed by the Auckland Rural Fire Authority.
At each fire the PRFO or Incident Controller will at the earliest possible time note in the log that the issue of conflict has been analysed.
From this analysis, if it is determined that a conflict of interest exists, the PRFO or Incident Controller will decide if the Auckland Rural Fire Authority will:
a)do nothing;
b)remove the management staff so as to eliminate the conflict; or
c) not allow the manager to make any decisions that may be perceived to contribute to this
conflict but allow them to act as a resource for
information for other decision makers.
The course of action taken will be recorded in the log.
Where the suppression event is eligible for a claim
on the Rural Fire Fighting Fund (RFFF) the PRFO will
step in and act as Incident Controller to ensure that all decisions are free from any conflict or perceived conflict of interest.
The ARFD has two contributing groups known as the Rural Fire Governance Advisory Group (RFGAG) and The analysis of any potential conflicts of interest will
the Stakeholder Operations Advisory Group (SOAG). be repeated at each shift change or change of management personnel.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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1.12.Funding
Warrant A
The annual funding requirements and funding
options will be presented to the RFGAG by the PRFO
when required for consideration for annual plan and
budgeting purposes.
This certifies the holder to be appointed the Principal
Rural Fire Officer or Deputy for the Auckland Rural
Fire District under section 13(1) of the Forest and
Rural Fires Act 1977 and allows them to perform the
functions and exercise the powers conferred on a
Principal Rural Fire Officer by that Act. The holder of
the warrant is also appointed pursuant to Section 38
of the Resource Management Act as an enforcement
officer giving powers of entry for inspection and
powers of entry for survey contained in Sections 332 &
333 of the act.
Funding may be sought from the NRFA via the grant
assistance scheme and the RFFF where appropriate.
Claims on the RFFF will be prepared by the PRFO,
supported by relevant stakeholder representatives in
accordance with the guidelines of the NRFA Circulars
and lodged with the NRFA within the time frames set.
The point of origin of the fire will define which
Auckland RFD member agency “banks” the cost of
suppressing the fire:
• if the fire originates on Public Conservation Land, the
Department of Conservation will be the ‘banker’
• if the fire originates on Exotic Forests of greater than
100 hectares the Forest Owner will be the ‘banker’
• if the fire originates on land outside the previous
two categories, the Auckland Council will act as the
‘banker’.
The ‘banker’ will pay all fire suppression invoices
authorised by the Auckland PRFO.
All invoices and payments for and Auckland RFA fires,
duly authorised by the Auckland PRFO are to be paid
by the ‘banker’ by the 20th of the following month,
unless the invoice requires earlier payment.
The PRFO shall implement any such actions required
for direct recovery or prosecutions when appropriate.
The Authority may charge for fire protection or
suppression services, either through the contracted
provision of such services, or through the recovery
of costs of fire suppression operations from the
Authority’s own resources. The rates to be charged
will be determined by fair and reasonable charges
as set by the NRFA at the time of the claim.
1.13. Rural Fire Officers
The Authority appoints by resolution, Rural Fire
Officers (RFO) under Section 13 of the Forest and
Rural Fires Act 1977 whose warrants are signed by the
Chief Executive. These officers may include the staff,
senior members or contractors of the VRFFs, AC, DOC
and commercial forest owners.
The Authority has three levels of RFO Warrant of
Appointment; the RFO will be issued with the warrant
relevant to the required level of statutory compliance
that they are required to fulfill.
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Warrant B
This certifies the holder to be appointed as a Rural
Fire Officer for the Auckland Rural Fire District under
section 13(1) of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977
and allows them to perform the functions and exercise
the powers pursuant to Section 23 (Authorise lighting
of fires in the open air by Fire Permit issue) and Section
36 (Powers of a Rural Fire Officer) subsection (1)
(a,b,c,d,f,g,h,i) and Section 58 (Inspections for purpose
of act) of the said act as a Rural Fire Officer of the
authority.
Warrant C
This certifies that the holder has been appointed as a
Rural Fire Officer for the Auckland Rural Fire District
under section 13(1) of the Forest and Rural Fires Act
1977 and allows them to perform the functions and
exercise the powers pursuant to Section 23 of the
act (Authorise lighting of fires in the open air by Fire
Permit issue) as a Rural Fire Officer of the authority.
The Officer in charge of a NZFS appliance is deemed
to be a RFO for suppression to facilitate the required
fire control duties. These officers are not warranted to
issue fire permits.
The Duties of a RFO include:
Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Forest
and Rural Fires Act 1977 and the Forest and Rural
Fire Regulations 2005. In this respect, but subject to
Section 58 of the Act, a RFO may have full use of and
free access to any building, land, premise or property,
operations, and apparatus and may use all convenient
means and appliances belonging thereto or connected
therewith and with the assistance of the occupier as
is reasonably required for facilitating the exercise of
these powers.
1.14. The New Zealand Fire Service
1.16. Distribution List
Under the Section 15 agreement, the NZFS has
accepted a major role in fire suppression in the District.
This role is carried out by its brigades throughout the
urban fire districts, to compliment and support the role
of the VRFFs and the Authority.
A copy of the fire plan will be provided to:
1.15. Health and Safety
The Auckland Rural Fire Authority is committed to the
health and safety of all personnel while training and
operating within the control of the Authority. A Health
and Safety Policy (ARFA 0035 H&S Manual Final) has
been developed and will be adhered to by all personnel
during training and at incidents. The policy also covers
personnel on operational fire stations.
• The Principal Rural Fire Officer (1)
• Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers (5)
• Governance Advisory Group Members (5)
• Voluntary Rural Fire Forces – 2 per station (28)
• Neighbouring Rural Fire Authorities (2)
• Forest Owners (2)
• Warranted Rural Fire Officers (up to 81)
• New Zealand Fire Service – Volunteer Support
Officers (4)
• New Zealand Fire Service – Regional Intelligence
Officer (1)
The wellbeing of all personnel is a priority for the
Auckland Rural Fire Authority.
• New Zealand Fire Service – Northern
Communication Centre (1)
The provisions of the Health and Safety in the
Workplace Act must be complied with at all times.
All staff members have a personal responsibility to
protect their own safety. Hazards must be reported
to the senior ranking person immediately when they
are identified and efforts must be taken to remove or
mitigate them as soon as possible. A designated Safety
Officer (SO) must be appointed at incidents with 16 or
more personnel. They will be responsible for the overall safety of staff. A RFO or OIC may designate a SO at
any time if required prior to reaching this threshold.
• New Zealand Fire Service – Regional and Area offices (4)
• The National Rural Fire Authority (1)
• Department of Conservation – Area Office (2)
Electronic copies can be supplied on request.
If required, the NZFS. “Critical Incident Stress” team
(CIST) is available to provide counseling for staff.
The CIST can be requested by the Chief Fire Officer
through the NZFS Comcens.
The Authority also offers an Employee Assistance
Programme. The welfare of operational personnel at all
incidents is the prime responsibility of their controlling
officer, who must ensure that refreshments are
available and regular rest breaks are taken.
Refer to the Authorities Health and Safety manual
for further information. In situations where policy or
practice conflicts with the Health and Safety policy
of the Authority, direction should be taken from the
Health and Safety policy.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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2. Reduction
In the “Reduction” section of this Fire Plan are the
policies and procedures that have been adopted by the
ARFA to reduce the likelihood and consequence of fires
within the District.
2.1. Fire hazards and fire risk
management strategies
The number and impact of preventable fires will be
minimised through education, management of fire
hazards and fire risks, compliance and administration.
The Authority, as part of its overall prevention
considerations, promotes the principles of the
NRFA FireSmart partners in protection booklet. This
strategy recognises the principle that the impacts of
preventable fires can be minimised.
A Risk Reduction Strategy will be adopted in 2015
which will set out the process and identify the key
objectives for the Authority. This Risk Reduction
Strategy will be aligned with Auckland Council and
CDEMs Risk Management Framework. The outcome
of this will identify how to minimise the risks where
possible utilising the NRFA Assessing Fire Hazards
Minimum Standard.
The FireSmart principles will be included in the Risk
Management Plans (RMPs) to reduce the likelihood and
consequence of fires in order to mitigate or eliminate
hazards and risks that are identified as posing the
greatest potential to cause unacceptable damage or
loss of life property, vegetation or the environment
across the district. The plans have been developed
in accordance with the principles as defined in the
standard AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management
- Principles and Guidelines (ISO 31000) and to meet
the requirements of the NRFA’s Assessing Fire Hazards
Minimum Standard that the Authority has adopted.
The RMPs are developed to manage the risk of
potential wildfire with incorporated linkages to the
“4Rs” (Reduction, Readiness, Response and Recovery)
for areas identified as high “Threat” through the
Wildfire Threat Analysis (WTA) process. These operate
at a strategic level using the WTA Fire Hazard Layer
and areas of higher value. The first of the RMPs has
been created for Waiheke Island. The next priorities are
the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Forested area including
Woodhill, Riverhead, Mahurangi and Whitford forest
and the Auckland Regional Park areas.
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Within the context of the WTA, hazards are primarily
defined as the fuels and the topography of an area
(the potential to burn). The inspection and evaluation
of hazards enables the potential for a large fire to
be assessed. This includes the degree of difficulty in
suppressing a fire once started.
Risks are defined as users, activities or events that have
the potential to cause a fire ignition (the potential
for ignition). Identification and assessment of risks
enables the potential for ignition to be evaluated and
the determination of measures that can be taken to
minimise the chance of a fire starting.
The WTA will be used as a key input to the Authority’s
fire management activities such as prevention,
mitigation and resource allocation. It will be reviewed
every five years or earlier if required.
2.2. Risk Management
In support of Hazard Management, the Authority
may also consider implementing the following risk
management initiatives if and when required:
• implementing a risk register that looks at key risks
within the district which align with the high risk
areas of the WTA and Risk Reduction Strategy
• monitoring of high-risk areas such as picnic spots,
camping areas and public recreation areas during a
period of elevated fire danger conditions
• posting of fire restriction and fire danger signs at
locations that will advise the public of any restriction,
risks or threats to users, campers or visitors
• confirmation and enforcement of appropriate fire
seasons
To assist in the identification of high risk areas the
Authority will utilise the areas with a greater than 601
threat indication in the WTA. Where fire hazards and fire
risks are identified, the Authority will engage with land
owners or occupiers to manage those hazards and risks
to minimise their potential to cause damage or loss.
The areas that have been identified but not limited to
the forested areas to the North including the Woodhill,
Riverhead, Mahurangi, Dome Valley Forests and to
the South Whitford Forest, Regional Parks (Waitakere
Ranges and Hunua Ranges) and the Islands of the
Hauraki Gulf.
The PRFO may implement the following initiatives if
and when these are deemed necessary.
• Inspections to identify areas of vegetation that are
or have the potential to become a fire hazard. Where
fire hazardous sites are identified, the Authority may:
˚ direct the land owner or occupier that has responsibility for the hazard to carry out fire breaking, fuel modification or fuel reduction in order to reduce the hazard
˚ encourage land owners or occupiers to carry out fuel modification measures at known hazard and or risk locations in order to reduce the likelihood of fire ignition and spread.
• The Authority will also implement the following risk
management initiatives if and when required:
˚
˚
fire prevention education
a fire suppression policy during any open season that involves low or no values at risk, allowing for
a “BEING OBSERVED” fire classification. This means that a fire may be allowed to burn with no
suppression action being taken
˚ testing of ignition sources on machinery and
where required directing operators to shield or
suppress ignition sources on machinery
2.4. Strategic Water Supplies
The ARFD compiles strategic water supplies across the
region for the purpose of fire suppression. These water
supplies may include water tanks, hydrants, streams
and ponds.
The water supplies details are then given to the
stations for the initial response. The purpose is to
increase awareness enabling a more efficient and safer
response. It is the Authority’s intention to update this
list every year to Comcens for use during a response to
notify responding crews.
2.5. Fire prevention
2.5.1. Fire prevention planning
The Auckland region has a reasonable number of fires consistent with other regions despite a relatively small land area. Auckland has a very high population, significant cultural and biodiversity values, forestry, horticulture and property exposed to wildfire.
The Authority supports a policy of a safe aggressive,
initial attack on all fires within the district. To ensure
this it has in place a number of measures to mitigate
the hazard to life and property from fire. These are:
• the implementation and enforcement of fire
restrictions
˚ declaration of controls relating to ignition locations and activities
• on-going monitoring the fire danger levels
• inspection of potential fire sites prior to permit
issue
˚ identification of likely ignition sources, locations
and activities
2.3. Hazard Management
• the pre-determined beats lists are updated every
two years to ensure the correct resources are
responded to the incidents
In support of hazard management the Authority shall
consider implementing the following initiatives if and
when required:
• requirement for burn plans for large or high risk
prescribed fire operations to be submitted and
approved by the PRFO in all fire seasons
• site inspections to monitor areas of vegetation that
are or have the potential to become, a fire hazard
• education to public through face to face
interaction, media, and talks to schools and groups
• fire breaking, fuel modification or fuel reduction
burning on land adjacent to high risk hazard areas
• liaison with key stakeholders
• providing proactive advice to council managers
and planners to improve the safety of land and
homeowners in the rural and urban interface
• aerial support for all confirmed fires in a forested
or high risk area.
˚ limiting access or use of high risk areas.
• providing active support for NZFS initiatives
including rural property access and rural water
supplies.
• fuel clearance and modification
The focus shall be on preventing the likelihood of
large and damaging fires resulting in a corresponding
reduction of fire suppression costs. To assist in
this reduction, all large fires where a claim is being
made on the RFFF, will be investigated by a NRFA approved Rural Fire Investigator. Smaller fires may
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
11
be investigated, at the discretion of the PRFO for
possible cost recovery from persons responsible.
To assist in the prevention of the outbreak of
wildfire, the Authority will apply the following fire
seasons: Open, Restricted or Prohibited fire season
as defined in the Act. Fire permits will be issued
on a case-by-case basis as requested by the occupier
or land owner during a restricted fire season, special
permits may be issued at a time of Prohibited
season. The PRFO will make available fire danger
indices and carry out public awareness campaigns as
and when appropriate.
During the restricted or prohibited fire season period the PRFO will obtain the daily Fire Weather Data from the following Remote Area Weather Stations. All stations are calibrated annually in October and all have quarterly inspections.
• Mahurangi Forest E1741014 N5974794
• Woodhill Forest
E1723057 N5937190
• Clevedon Coast
E1778784 N5911979
• Cornwallis Depot
E1742592 N5903924
• Great Barrier Island
E1821692 N5986193
• Waharau E1803979 N5897888
• Patumahoe
E1760977 N5881245
The daily readings can be obtained through a number of different methods. These include the NRFA website, the NIWA Fire Weather system and Auckland Council Hydrotel System. The NZFS, Northern Communication centre can also supply the information to the crews during an incident. Liaison with the NRFA weather information providers will be on-going, to provide a base
for the prediction of trends in fire danger for
the District.
This information is utilised to determine the current
level of fire danger for the District and to provide an
information base for the prediction of future trends,
as well as providing levels of alertness for RFOs and
fire-fighting crews.
2.5.2. Fire Control Bylaws
12
available to educate the diverse public across the Auckland Region.
2.5.3. Enforcement & Compliance
Enforcement may be used to gain compliance or fire prevention tool following the established standards of the Forest and Rural Fire Act 1977 and the Forest and Rural Fires Regulations 2005. The Authority has legislative responsibility to control the use of fire and those activities known to cause fire.
These powers include, but are not limited to:
• implementing the Auckland Council Outdoor Fire
Safety Bylaw. The ARFD may use its powers under
the Local Government Act 2002 to enforce this
bylaw
• seasonal restrictions by way of fire season status
will be implemented based on set dates or trigger
points relating to fire weather conditions or public
activity
• Fire permits will be required for all fires in the
open air during a restricted fire season. A person
may apply to the council for a special permit
to light an outdoor fire during a prohibited fire
season (total fire ban), if the outdoor fire is:
˚ required as part of a significant community or cultural event; or
˚ the most effective means to reduce a fire hazard; or
˚ the most effective means to reduce any other
hazard to life, health, property or the environment
• fire investigation is to be carried out to determine
cause of all large or suspicious fires
• direct cost recovery may be actioned for any fire
suppression, response, investigation or other activity
required to inhibit the occurrence of fire in the rural
fire district. Cost recovery will be at the discretion of
the PRFO
• where the PRFO deems it appropriate and direct cost
recovery is not achievable or drawn out, a claim may
be made on the RFFF
The Authority has legislated responsibility to control • when an offence against the Forest and Rural
the use of fire and those activities known to cause Fires Act 1977 is committed a prosecution will be
fire. One control is the Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw. investigated and action taken as appropriate
The purpose of this bylaw is to protect public health • a person who fails to comply with any part of the
and safety from the start or spread of fire. This is Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw commits a breach of
done through regulating the use of outdoor fires and
this bylaw and is liable to a penalty under the Local
other fire hazards by setting controls in the Urban Government Act 2002.
and Rural Fire Districts. Guidelines and tools are Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
2.5.4. Public education
A co-ordinated approach to public education is extremely important. The ARFD uses tools such as the use of public notices, internet, mail drops, fire signs and posters which are the main forms of
communication. Other forms of communicating education initiatives will be considered as required for specific initiatives. Public education is aimed at changing the behaviour of the public through increased co-operation, awareness and knowledge of the principals of fire prevention. This is achieved through the following avenues:
• the National FireSmart public education campaign
• responsible use of fire through the local media and
social media
• promulgation and distribution of fire prevention
literature throughout the District
• fire prevention displays, school visits and
community group talks
• use of fire signs advertising current fire danger
levels and or fire season status
Fire permits are required for all fires in the open air during a restricted fire season. Special Permits may be issued at the discretion of the PRFO during a Prohibited Season.
All active fire permits will be revoked in
accordance with legislation during periods of elevated fire danger or on the advice of the Principal Rural Fire Officer.
The Authority will provide advice to property owners on best burning practices and where appropriate, assist the property owner in the formulation of burning plans.
2.5.5.1. Burn plans
Advice to the Authority is required where multiple large fires are intended to be burnt, a full prescribed burn plan is required in all fire seasons for the larger or more complex fires. e.g. standing vegetation over half a hectare or the clearing of forestry slash or for the burning of forestry skid
site waste.
Burn Plans should cover the following:
• extreme fire danger warnings to stakeholders,
public, media and council staff.
• site details, - Address, Landowner, contractors
being used
2.5.5. Prescribed fire management
advice/requirements
• map
The Authority recognises and supports the use of fire as a land management tool. The Authority operates a range of fire control measures through the open, restricted or prohibited fire seasons. These are designed to control the lighting of fire in times of elevated fire danger while making provisions for legitimate use of fire for land management incorporating land development/
clearing, in an open fire season. The issuing of fire permits during a restricted fire season is recognised as being one of the best forms of public education. The aim is to give good clear advice to the public to ensure that any permitted fires do not result in an escaped fire situation.
At all times, when using fire for clearance or removal of rubbish, standing scrub or vegetation, cut
or pruned vegetation or other waste or items, it is the obligation of the land holder, occupier or the rural fire permit holder to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, by laws and or rules. It is also the obligation of such persons to make themselves aware of such legislation, by laws or rules prior to lighting any fire.
Generally the need for such burns will be captured through the fire permit process or the prescribed burn plan process.
• objective
• values potentially at risk – Forest areas
• smoke considerations: Who may be susceptible
and how will smoke be minimised
• topography: how will this influence potential fire
escape, how will it influence the weather
• fuel, vegetation: Both what is being burnt and
what would be burning if the fire escapes
• weather – describe what weather conditions are
required for the burn to go ahead
• ignition patterns: What will be the best ways to
light the area for burning to control fire intensity?
• suppression/holding resources: What resources
such as appliances, machinery, spray units; and or
crews will be needed to keep the fire contained
• safety plan: covering the ignition, and containment
of the fire; especially, lookouts, communication,
escape routes, and safe zones
• notifications: who else needs to be notified e.g.,
Rural Fire Officer, neighbours, possibly include
public signage
• permissions required: e.g. fire permit from Rural
Fire Authority.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
13
2.6. Additional information
Within the District there are no declared forest areas
under section 17 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act
1977.
2.7. Firebreak specifications
The Authority may at any time, by notice in writing
signed on its behalf by the PRFO, require the land
owner of any land within the District to make, clear or
maintain, within the time and manner specified in the
notice, such firebreaks or fuel modification lines, and in
such positions, as the PRFO considers necessary for the
purpose of fire control measures In accordance with
the requirements of section 27 of the Forest and Rural
Fires Act. All firebreaks/fuel modification lines are to be
kept appropriately maintained at all times.
2.8. Fire protection works
Fire protection works relates to structures that provide
the infrastructure for fire suppression actions and
includes the provision of defined water supply points
and a suitable means of access for equipment and
appliances to these resources. This is achieved in
conjunction with AC, DOC, NZFS, forest owners and
other key rural fire stakeholders.
During times of elevated fire danger, the PRFO will
consider placing additional resources on the predetermined attendance for vegetation fires.
2.9. Charging for services
The policy is that the Authority will consider charging
other organisations for the costs of attending fires
within the other organisations area of responsibility
on a case by case basis. Cost recovery action will
also be considered against land owners, occupiers,
fire permit holders or those responsible for a fire
where suppression or attendance by an Authority
representative, VRFF, NZFS Brigade or other
organisation is required or where costs have been
incurred by the Authority. Charging is at the discretion
of the PRFO.
2.10. Identification of hazardous buildings
In order to mitigate the hazards and risks associated
with commercial and industrial buildings within the
District, the Authority shall provide to the NZFS, and
subsequently maintain, an up to date register of all
commercial and industrial structures that fall within
the following categories:
• places of assembly for more than 100 people
• places of employment for more than 10 people
14
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
• accommodation for more than 5 paying guests or
tenants (other than in a household unit)
• commercial or industrial buildings used for
manufacture or storage or processing including
any facility containing hazardous or flammable
substances held for any purpose
• high life risk buildings – special occupancies providing
care to the very young, very old or the disabled but
not including household units.
The NZFS will undertake Building Risk Assessments of
all or some buildings contained within that register as
they deem necessary and provide the authority with
this information.
The Building Register will be updated annually by
the Authority and sent to the NZFS no later than
1 October each year. The register will be kept in
hard copy file with the PRFO and soft copy kept
electronically by the Auckland Council.
During the 2013/2014 review of the register 463
properties were identified. A list of the tactical plans
associated with the high risk properties is held with
the NZFS and given to the first responding appliance
attending the incident.
2.11. National Rural Fire Authority standards
The Authority has a Key Performance goal to meet
NRFA Standards – Achieving Timely Response to
Fires and Assessment of Fire Hazards. This is achieved
through developing measures and processes relevant
to the needs of the Authority including the use of such
tools as the WTA.
3. Readiness
The “Readiness” section of this fire plan sets out the
policies and procedures in relation to readiness for a
fire fighting event within the District
3.1. Priorities for fire fighting
At all times the safety of human life must take priority
over all other actions. Fire fighter safety must be
considered in context with this. Fire control operations
take priority over all other operations except where
danger to life exists. General order of priority is:
First Human life
Second Property
Third Protected sites and high value
conservation areas
Fourth Vegetation and other values
3.2. Health and Safety in training
The Auckland Rural Fire Authority is committed to the
health and safety of all personnel while training and
operating within the control of the Authority. A Health
and Safety policy (ARFA 0035 H&S Manual Final) has
been developed and will be adhered to by all personnel
during training and at incidents. The policy also covers
personnel on operational fire stations.
The wellbeing of all personnel is a priority for the
Auckland Rural Fire Authority.
Training in the Rural Fire environment can be
hazardous and care must be exercised when
undertaking training through simulated or live fire
training. Risk plans, mitigation and precautions must
be developed in accordance with the ARFD Health and
Safety Plan.
Refer to the Authorities Health and Safety manual
for further information. In situations where policy or
practice conflicts with the Health and Safety policy
of the Authority, direction should be taken from the
Health and Safety policy.
This strategy recognises the principle that the ability
to respond to reports of fire and minimise resultant
loss demands a level of readiness that is appropriate
to the existing and forecast fire danger and that also
recognises the possibility of extreme fire conditions.
The PRFO will ensure that the readiness procedures
as defined in this plan and any Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP) or General Instructions (GI) are
implemented.
In general terms these provide for arrangements
to be put in place for varying levels with special
consideration given to:
• fire season status
• current and forecast weather and fire danger levels
• using the New Zealand Fire Danger Rating System
(NZFDRS) and fire weather indices for determining
trigger points and subsequent fire season status
• considering or imposing restrictions on access or
operations within certain parts of the District in
particular exotic or plantation forests
• requirements for initial attack resources including
placing helicopters, specialised equipment and crews
on standby.
3.4. Rural Fire Authority map
Refer to map section of this plan Page 46 (Section Six).
The overview map of the Auckland Rural Fire District.
3.5. Duties to respond to and powers at fires
Clarity of the duties and powers of RFOs and NZFS
fire fighters and or officers is best described in the
Authority’s Policy ARFA 0024 Duties to respond and
powers at fires. This should be read alongside the NZFS
Guidelines for Operational Policies and Procedure and
VRFF constituted agreements.
3.3. Readiness policy and procedures
The Authority’s strategy is that the potential for loss
of human life and damage to land holders assets
and values will be minimised through fire readiness
procedures that are appropriate in terms of fire threat,
deployment time and available resources.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
15
3.6. Committee structure chart
This diagram details the reporting structure within Auckland Council
Auckland Rural Fire District
(Auckland Council is the Authority for the District)
Rural Fire Governance Advisory Group
Rural Fire Governance Advisory Group
Auckland Council – PRFO
Auckland Council – PRFO
Auckland Council – Director, CDEM
Auckland Council – Director, CDEM
DOC – Northern Director Conservation services
DOC – Northern Director Conservation services
Forest Owners – Regional Representative
Forest Owners – Regional Representative
New Zealand Fire Service – Regional Manager
New Zealand Fire Service – Regional Manager
Auckland Council Chief
Executive
Civil Defence and Emergency
Management Director
Advisory Support
Function
Stakeholder Operations Advisory Group
Auckland Council – PRFO
Auckland Council – DPRFO’s
PRFO
Department of Conservation – Delegated Representative
Forest Owners – Managers
New Zealand Fire Service –Region Manager
Northern
DPRFO
Central
DPRFO
Southern
DPRFO
Auckland
Region
DPRFO
Land,
Management
Risk
Assessment
Policy Advisor
Business
Improvement
and Risk
Analyst
The day to day zone administration of the ARFD will be carried out by the DPRFOs. This will ensure that current
VRFF and local community relationships are retained within those zones. The stakeholder’s staff supporting the
administration will liaise with the relevant area DPRFO.
16
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
• preparation and reviews of the Fire Plan
3.7. Authority responsibilities and chain
of command
• consultation in regard to annual budgets
3.7.1. Appointment of warranted officers
• purchase of goods and services in compliance
with AC’s delegated authorities for
expenditure
All appointments and warrants of appointments are to be made in accordance with S.13.(1) Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 and Regulation 38, Forest & Rural Fires Regulations 2005. Warrants are issued for a period of 10 years unless revoked by
the Authority. In the event that the warrant holder is a member of a VRFF, the warrant will be revoked upon the resignation or termination of such membership unless leave to retain that warrant of appointment is granted by the Authority through the PRFO.
• preparation of claims against the RFFF and or
cost recovery action
• represent the Authority on any Regional
Rural Fire Committee or similar organisation
• maintain membership in the Forest and
Rural Fire Association of NZ, AFAC, UFBA
and attend the annual conference of those
organisation or other appropriate forums
• Principal Rural Fire Officer – shall be appointed
by the Auckland Council Chief Executive
Officer and is responsible for carrying out and
performing duties as outlined in respective
legislation and this plan
• Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer – shall be
appointed following a recommendation by the
PRFO and will perform duties as stipulated within
a job description and under direction of the PRFO
• Rural Fire Officers – shall be selected by the
PRFO or a Deputy and put forward by way of
recommendation to the Authority for approval
and will represent the interests and legal
requirements of the Authority when required.
• liaise with key local stakeholders
• maintain effective communication with the
VRFFs
• management of DPRFOs and RFOs.
3.7.2.2. Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer
Report to the PRFO. Responsibilities are primarily to support and assist the PRFO and represent the
Authority when and where required whilst executing the legal obligations of the Authority.
3.7.2.3. Land Management Risk Assessment Policy Advisor
The Authority has three levels of RFO Warrants of Appointment. The RFO will be issued with the warrant relevant to the required level of statutory compliance that they are required to fulfill. A full description of the three levels of warrants in section 1.10.3 Rural Fire Officers.
All warrants of appointments will be signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the AC in its role as the Authority.
3.7.2. Personnel responsibilities
3.7.2.1. Principal Rural Fire Officer
Reports to the Director of Civil Defence
Emergency Management and has the
delegated authority and responsibility to
manage the business of the Authority
including but not limited to:
• discharge of all statutory requirements
including making of declarations and
notifications that are pertinent to
carrying out the duties and obligations
of the Authority
Report to the PRFO. Manage the development
and delivery of risk management plans and programs based on the risk management
standards to NZ ISO 31000 and the NFRA guidelines. This is also working in conjunction
with the elevated risk areas identified in the
WTA. This role also supports and assists the
PRFO. It represents the Authority when and where required.
3.7.2.4. Business Improvement and Risk Analyst
Report to the PRFO. Responsible for analysing business improvement needs for the Rural Fire
Team including the volunteer fire stations,
developing and implementing Business
Improvements. It provides a high level Rural Fire
customer and stakeholder accountability,
specifically in the area of charging for services,
cost recovery, NRFA claims and performance
monitoring. This role also supports and assists
the PRFO. It represents the Authority when and
where required.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
17
3.7.2.5. Rural Fire Officers
Report to the PRFO & DPRFOs. RFOs are responsible for carrying out duties delegated under their warrant of appointment or assigned to them from time to time by the PRFO.
Schedule of Rural Fire Officers
Warrant A holders
Bryan Cartelle
Rory Renwick
Brandon Guttery
Scott Marchant
Lance Dixon Thomas Harre
Warrant B holders
Ahuroa
Alastair Todd
Darrell Tanner
Alan Davie-Martin
Malcolm Bartlett
Matakana
Barry Clarke
Larry Patterson
John Badham
Lance Stephens
Puhoi
Russell Green
Mike Donovan
Shelly Beach
Adam Knezovic
Brian Flood
Orere Point
Barbara Spicer
David Turner
Wayne Sanderson
Russell Scott
Adriaan Laven
Great Barrier Island
Cushla Buchanan
Wayne Andersond
Jeremy Warden
Hancocks
David Fish
Greg Nielson
Michael Sullivan
Peter Houston
Roger Winslade
Trevor Bullock
Geoff Gover
Kevin Ihaka
Ngaro Tumai
Robert Clarke
Ross Gee
Nga Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Development Trust
Andrea Thomas
Rayonier
Andrew Warren
Sam Middlemass
Derek Hammond
Kawau Island
Martin Duytshoff
Department of Conservation
David Jeffery
Thelma Wilson
Antony Maidment
Kaukapakapa
Stefan Sebregts
David Wilson
Marcel Hendriks
Dave Ouwejan
Fiona Clarkson Geoff Woodhouse
Bill Hellyer
Paul McDonald
George Wilson (GBI) Shane McInnes
Alison Constable
Blair Williams
Muriwai
Phelan Pirrie
Andy Callaghan
Waitakere
Denis Cooper
Kimball (Graham) McIntyre
Andrew Reed
18
Bethells Valley
Eugene Scott
Mark Allen
Peter Grundemann
Karekare
Kevin Ferguson
Kubi Witten-Hannah
Matthew Grove
Warrant C holders
Graeme Young
Moti Singh
Ross Dymock
Teresa Paul
Michelle Matthews
Rohin Patel
Sue Howard
The Officer in Charge of all NZFS Pump Appliances is deemed an RFO of the Authority for SUPPRESSION PURPOSES ONLY.
3.8. Details of training arrangements
The policy for the Authority is to provide and/or make available to all firefighting personnel within the stakeholder group and VRFFs (not withstanding any other agreement with other organisations), training to meet the needs of the Authority and the minimum standards of the NRFA.
Awhitu
Howard Logan
Andrew Hamilton
Keith MacKenzie
Neville Bull
Grant Andrews
David Millar
Keith Millar
Terry Oram
Stakeholder groups will be invited and encouraged to engage in courses within the Authority’s training programme. They may be required to meet costs associated with their personnel attending training. This policy will support the intent of the Authority in gaining efficiencies of scale and common training standards.
Hunua
Dylan Wagner
Doug Piggott
Aaron White
Coral Piggott
All fire personnel are required to be either competent
in the NRFA minimum standards and hold the relevant
unit standards or be supervised by a competent person.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
The Authority supports personnel attending training
courses that are either rural fire specific or more
general fire and rescue based courses including
selected, approved and available courses facilitated and
run by the NZFS. Such courses are to be approved
by the PRFO regarding attendance at such courses by
personnel.
Unless exceptional circumstances exist, fire fighters should only be assigned to perform tasks within their level of competency unless being trained under supervision for a higher level.
The PRFO is to ensure that arrangements are in place
for the following:
• maintenance of a data base for recording training
and competency in firefighting and related skills or
courses
• maintenance of a database recording attendance
at incidents and in which role which may be
retained on station and made available to the
Authority on request.
VRFFs may keep these data bases for their respective
fire fighters and members which may be retained on
station. This information will be made available to the
Authority.
3.8.1. Competency based training courses
and assessments
the skill levels necessary for the safety of staff
and for the protection of life and property within
the District.
Training levels will be aligned to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority system of Unit Standards. Extra training levels will be aligned to the standards
identified in the Progression Pathway of the Authority or NZFS Training Standards. All volunteer
rural fire fighting recruit will be expected to attend
a NZFS basic firefighting and where appropriate the
breathing apparatus course with the exception of
Great Barrier and Kawau Island volunteers.
3.8.2. Progression pathway and annual
training plan
The Authority has developed a structured training
pathway for all members of the VRFFs. This
pathway explains the training required for a
fire fighters progression through the Authorities
ranking structure from Recruit to Chief Fire Officer.
The published annual Training Programme that is
developed and released each year further
supports the Progression Pathway. The programme
communicates training courses identified through
training needs analysis for the volunteers and other
stakeholder organisations.
For further information refer to ARFA 0036 Rural Fire Training Pathway 2014 V2.
Access to training will meet the Authority, VRFF, fire 3.9. Funding provisions for fire
fighter and community needs.
control measures
The aim of the Authority is that every person on The operating costs of the Authority will be met by
the fire ground shall have unit standard 3285 the AC as approved through the Long Term Council
(Protect Personal Safety at Vegetation Fires) or be
Community Plan and the contributions of stakeholder
under direct supervision of a person who has been groups as determined in the Memorandum for
accredited the required competency of that unit Auckland Enlarged Rural Fire District and by way of a
standard. Training will be conducted to meet the
levy on forested land of a size greater than 50 hectares.
minimum requirements of the NRFA. It should be
This levy will be charged annually.
noted that these are minimum standards only and
The Authority shall seek other funding as may be
additional training will be identified.
available from time to time including subsidy under
Stakeholders are required to ensure personnel meet
the NRFA Grant Assistance Scheme.
or exceed NRFA minimum standard prior to The Authority may provide each VRFF under its control
deploying to attend or assist at incidents.
an annual discretionary grant for operational expenses.
The Authority accepts that NZFS fire fighters who The Authority will maintain and provide funding
have achieved competency in the NZFS Basic Skills
budgets for purchasing of equipment, personal
training course have sufficient knowledge of
protective equipment and training services that have
personal safety equivalent to that contained within
been approved by the PRFO.
Unit Standard 3285 to enable them to not have to
operate under supervision of a suitably qualified
The Authority will also provide appropriate AMP
rural fire fighter.
insurance for fire fighters within each VRFF as well as
agreed insurances for vehicles and equipment used by
Risk factors of the response areas covered by the
fire forces will inform the generic fire training of the VRFFs and/or the Authority.
VRFF. Training will also be programmed to provide
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
19
3.10. Stakeholders of the Authority
Stakeholders of the Authority
Details of personnel listed as available to attend a fire
callout in the district.
New Zealand Fire Service
Region Manager
Authority Contact Details
Kerry Gregory
Northern Communications Centre
ruralfire@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ruralfire
Auckland Rural Fire Governance Advisory Group
Department of Conservation
Chris Jenkins - Regional Director,
Conservation Services
Clive Manley – Chairperson Duty Officer Phone 09 301 0101
Forest Owners
Bryan Cartelle – Principal Rural Fire Officer
Peter Houston – Woodhill Forest Manager
Phone 09 301 0101
Andy Warren – Riverhead and
Mobile 027 497 7841
Mauhurangi Forest Manager
Vehicle 021 684 619
NRFA
Pager 026 104 228
Kevin O’Connor – National Rural Fire Officer
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers:
Rob Goldring – Manager Rural Fire – Auckland
Scott Marchant – Northern Area Phone 09 301 0101
3.11. Radio call signs
Mobile 021 427 599
Call signs issued by the New Zealand Fire Service
Vehicle 027 600 4594
will be used relative to area and appliance
Rory Renwick – Southern Area and Inner Gulf
requirements. Refer to the ARFA 0031 Fire-ground
Phone 09 301 0101
communications plan.
Mobile 021 0200 7763
3.12. Resources available.
Vehicle 021 829 089
A full list of resources available for the District is
Lance Dixon – Great Barrier Island and Outer Gulf
available in the Authority’s resource register (ARFA
Phone 09 429 0258
0032 Resource Register 2014).
Mobile 021 221 9496
Pager 026 244 5198
Brandon Guttery – Auckland Region
Phone 09 301 0101
Mobile 027 500 6821
Thomas Harre – Land management and
Risk assessment policy advisor
Phone 09 301 0101
Mobile 021 413 197
Sandy Dubey – Business Improvement
and Risk Analyst
Phone 09 301 0101
Mobile 027 203 2850
20
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
• Stakeholders may assist another stakeholders with
3.13. Arrangements or agreements made resources (crews and equipment) when requested.
under section 14, 15, or 16 of the Forest and Rural Fire Act
• Each stakeholder may take initial firefighting action
3.13.1.
Agreements for the provision of fire–
fighting resources are held as follows:
In order to discharge the statutory duties imposed on the fire Authority by Section 12 of the Forest and
Rural Fires Act 1977 requiring it to promote and carry out fire control measures within its District and administer the Act and Regulations as they apply to the Authority, the following policy and
contractual documents have been signed:
• Section 15 Agreements with the NZFS
• Section 38 Agreements with the NZFS
• Agreements with each of the VRFFs
• Agreements with Districts Stakeholders
• Contracts with resource suppliers.
Any agreement is conditional upon each party recognising that the ability to assist the other will
depend on the relevant Executive Officer being
satisfied that assistance can be provided while
maintaining an adequate level of protection for the
resource for which the Executive Officer is
responsible for.
in another stakeholders’ area of responsibility if its
crew is first on the scene.
• The deployment of aerial firefighting resources
shall be limited to one hour flying time without the
Authorities further approval or by prior arrangement.
The DPRFO must be notified when such resources
are placed on standby or are deployed.
• Earth moving equipment shall be limited to one hour
without the Authorities further approval or by prior
arrangement. The DPRFO must be notified on placing
resources on standby or deployment.
3.16. Fire equipment
The Authority is responsible for ensuring any
designated fire equipment under its control is
maintained to NRFA standards for testing and
inspection. Details of all equipment resources are
provided to the authority. DPRFO’s will support the
VRFFs to achieve this.
Stakeholders will meet or exceed these standards for
their own fire equipment and stakeholders will be
required to provide details of compliance to the PRFO
on request or during an audit process.
Explanation:
3.17. Incident Management Team
Under a Section 15 agreement a Rural Fire Authority can engage the NZFS to provide fire fighting services in the rural areas outside of urban fire districts.
For incident management at large or protracted fires
the parties of this fire plan agree to the establishment
of an Incident Management structure as defined under
CIMS. Incident management can be done initially by
using the NRFA RF 200 form and any of the suite
of NRFA Incident Management forms to support an
appropriate Incident Action Plan. Incident management
team support will be facilitated through the AC Civil
Defence Emergency Management Office.
Under a Section 38 agreement, the Rural Fire
Authority and NZFS agree that the NZFS will
protect property outside the urban fire district.
3.14. Agreements between the Authority and Voluntary Rural Fire Forces or persons The Auckland Rural Fire Authority supports the NRFA
for the delivery of fire services
Guidelines for Forest and Rural Fire Management
The Authority has established agreements between the
VRFF units within the District regarding expected levels
of service. All current VRFF units duly constituted
VRFFs with the NRFA.
Positions (Refer NRFA Circular 2014-07). The Authority
undertakes to have these requirements in place by June
2016.
3.15. Fires
The Authority will support the establishment of
registered forest areas if necessary in accordance
with Section 17(2) of the Forest and Rural Fires Act
1977 and Section 47 (1) of the Forest and Rural Fires
Regulations 2005.
When action stated below is taken, the Authority or
stakeholder that is responsible for the area where the
fire originated will meet all fire suppression costs in the
first instance and the Authority will undertake relevant
cost recovery and will pursue any prosecution actions
as appropriate.
3.18. Specially protected areas
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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Explanation:
°°
• Within three metres of any combustible materials
such as a building, fence or vegetation that may
cause or likely to cause a fire hazard, unless the
fire is contained within an outdoor fire device
fuelled by gas or when all embers and sparks are
contained:
Under the provisions of this legislation, council can
only encourage forest owners to register their forests.
Forest owners when registered are responsible for their
own fire protection. They must meet conditions set
down by the Authority. The Authority has no other
areas identified as being specially protected areas. DOC
have areas within the District but these are protected
as part of the conservation estate.
°°
3.19. Fire seasons
3.19.1.
Open fire season
Means a period of time, whether of fixed or indefinite duration during which period the lighting of fires in the open air is neither prohibited nor restricted under the Forest and Rural Fire Act 1977 and subsequent amendments and regulations.
°°
Restricted season
Means a period of time, whether of fixed or indefinite duration, specified pursuant to this Act, during which period permits or authorities are required by the Forest and Rural Fire Act 1977 and subsequent amendments and regulations for the lighting of fires in the open air.
The general conditions for lighting fires in the open air (as per section 3.19.4 of this fire plan) must be adhered to at all times. Fire permits may place additional conditions on the lighting of fires.
3.19.3.
Prohibited season
There are to be no fires in a prohibited fire season except when a special fire permit has been issued under section 24 of the Forest and Rural Fire Act and signed by the PRFO. This permit may be signed off by a DPRFO if the PRFO is supportive of the application.
3.19.4.
General conditions
A person must not light or allow remain alight, any outdoor fire in any of the following circumstances:
• Where the location, wind, or other conditions,
cause, or are likely to cause the outdoor fire to
become:
°°
°°
°°
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a danger to any person or property; or
out of control or to spread beyond the limits
of the property on which it is lit; or
a smoke or ash nuisance to any person or
property; or
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
without adequate supervision being
maintained at all times;fires should be
constructed in such a way and size that
they can burn out during the day or be
settled by nightfall
without an appropriate means of fire
suppression being available to control
or extinguish the outdoor fire
• A person must not light an outdoor fire (excluding
fireworks) between the hours of sunset and
sunrise, unless the fire is:
The general conditions for lighting fires in the open air (as per section 3.19.4 of this fire plan) must be adhered to at all times.
3.19.2.
a hazard to road traffic.
°°
contained within an outdoor fire device; or
°°
an outdoor fire approved by the council
°°
Every person who lights an outdoor fire must
ensure the outdoor fire is totally extinguished
on completion of the activity
Explanatory note: The Unitary Plan outdoor burning rules strictly prohibits the burning of household or commercial waste, treated or wet wood, plastic, tyres and any all other materials that when burnt create excessive smoke and hazardous pollutants
3.19.5. Fire season status trigger points for the
District:
For fire season status the district is divided into three zones, to reflect the different levels of fire threat and the complexities of control in remote areas, especially islands. Except where fire weather indices are significantly higher than normal the Fire Season status will be determined by the time of year in order to make it easy to communicate to the public. Where weather based trigger points are used they will be based on averages for that zone using NZ fire weather indices with consideration to both current and forecast indices and may consider fire weather indicies in other zones so that season status changes of multiple zones occur at the same time. The following based trigger points will act as a guide for the season status changes across the region:
Zone 1 – Mainland
°°
ill be in a restricted season from the 1st of
w
December or when the Build Up Index (BUI)
is greater than 45 (whichever comes first) or
at the discretion of the PRFO, until after the
1st of April and when the BUI is less than 55
and the Drought Code (DC) is less than 250
and Grass Curing (GC) less than 60%
°°
°°
ill be in a prohibited season from when the
w
BUI reaches 80. It will revert to a restricted season after the 1st of April and when the
BUI is less than 65 and the DC is less than
300 and the GC is less than 75%
will be in an open season any time that
it is not in a restricted or prohibited season
(as described above)
• Zone 2 – conservation and low population density
Islands (all islands in the Auckland Rural Fire
District other than Great Barrier, Kawau, Rakino,
Ponui and Waiheke) – will remain in a Prohibited
Season throughout the year
• Zone 3 – Populated Islands (Great Barrier, Kawau,
Rakino, Ponui and Waiheke only)
°°
will be in a restricted season any time that it is
not in a prohibited season as described above.
3.19.7.
Degree of readiness
The trigger points contained in this section have
been derived using the New Zealand Fire Danger Rating System (NZFDRS). The preparedness
levels have been set in relation to the five fire
danger classes of Low, Moderate, High, Very High
and Extreme. The lowest numerical level corresponds to the lowest fire danger class. These
five response readiness levels are related directly to
the expected or prevailing fire dangers.
The PRFO will maintain a situational awareness of
prevailing and predicted fire dangers in the District.
The PRFO will ensure the appropriate fire season
status, and the required precautionary measures
are in place. Decisions will be made following an
assessment of the prevailing and predicted fire dangers, in association with key stakeholders based on field observations, validation of fuel conditions and the NZFDRS.
All equipment will be maintained in a state of readiness at all times. The PRFO shall advise VRFF’s of elevated fire danger and may place resources on standby as considered necessary relevant to fire weather conditions and as listed below:
3.19.6. Response to escaped fires on islands with no VRFF or NZFS brigades
Due to the delay in responding to these areas and the time until and reliable sitrep is received the
Duty RFO will as soon as possible attach two
additional pumps and one additional helicopter
to calls during elevated fire danger (any of the following: BUI > 75 or - GC > 80% - FWI >
21– ISI > 7) unless the RFO has sufficient information to believe that the additional resources will not be needed. This will be in addition to any
great alarm resources if applicable.
°°
will be in a prohibited season from the
1st of December or when the BUI is greater
than 45 (whichever comes first) or at the
discretion of the PRFO, until after the 1st
of April and when the BUI is less than 55
and the DC is less than 250
3.19.8.
All year weather recordings and Fire Weather Index information is collected each day from
relevant weather stations. This data is held by
the AC Environmental Services team, the NZFS
Communication Centre, and by the NIWA Fire
Weather System database.
Restrictions on access to exotic forests
The ARFD will discuss with major forest owners and
the NRFA options for restricting or imposing
additional conditions on forest access when the
BUI reaches 80 for forest dune or peat areas or 90
for clay areas. Restrictions on high risk activities will
be imposed ahead of complete access exclusion.
When the BUI reaches the above triggers, the PRFO
will also be in discussions with the forest owners and the Auckland Transport regarding public access
ways and roads through exotic forest plantations and other areas of risk.
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Response readiness levels:
These are the Authorities minimum requirements.
Officers / Personnel
Principal Rural Fire
Officer or Deputy
Principal Rural Fire
Officer
Volunteer Rural Fire
Force’s
DOC or Forest Owners
Duty Officer
Receives emergency
reports from the
Authority on fires
in a DOC area or in
stakeholders plantation
Readiness Levels 1-5, as related to the fire danger rating.
Low (1)
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
Moderate (2)
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
45 Minute
standby
30 Minute
standby
Available via
pager and
respond within
10 minutes
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
Available via
pager and
respond within
10 minutes
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
Grassland fire danger
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
High (3)
On standby,
immediately
contactable via
pager and/or
cell phone
Very High (4)
On standby,
immediately
contactable via
pager and/or
cell phone
Extreme (5)
On standby,
immediately
contactable via
pager and 100%
contactable via
cell phone
Available via
pager and
respond within
10 minutes
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
Available via
pager and
respond within
10 minutes
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
Available via
pager and
respond within
10 minutes
Available via
pager and/or
cell phone
Scrubland fire danger
Forest fire danger
3.20. Additional details
3.20.1.
Fire protection works (Refer section 2.8)
Protection works will be considered for high hazard areas. Within a forestry environment in particular, protection works that provide the infrastructure for fire suppression action will be in accordance
with principles of environmental care. Protection
works are those associated with the provision
and maintenance of:
for relevant signs to be erected as necessary for
public awareness and information.
The PRFO will ensure that arrangements are in place
for the following:
• fire season status signs are erected in
predetermined locations that will provide
the public with easily seen and understood
information
• requirement for fire breaks as provided in
legislation (S.27, Forest & Rural Fires Act 1977)
• regular maintenance and checking of all signs used
• a database of fire sign type and location is
prepared and maintained. Available through
Auckland Council GIS mapping system.
• access to be kept open and maintained in useable
condition at all times
• water supply points to be marked on relevant
maps and signposted on access roads
• consideration will be given to aircraft support
facilities.
3.20.2.
Fire danger monitoring
The daily fire danger will be monitored using weather data collected from the remote automatic weather station network within the District.
The fire danger rating will be determined using the
New Zealand Fire Danger Rating System.
Liaison with the key stakeholders, members of the
neighbouring fire authorities and the NRFA
regarding current and predicted trends in fire danger
will also be considered. The frequency of
monitoring will be proportionate to the fire danger.
The PRFO has the discretion during periods of
elevated fire danger to advise the relevant
stakeholders that considerations need to be
undertaken regarding access to public and forested
lands as well as operational restrictions.
3.20.3.
Fire weather monitoring
The fire weather indices and other information collected shall be used to monitor the fire danger.
The fire weather codes and indices are available to
the PRFO and other key Fire Officers via the NRFA
website (www.nrfa.org.nz).
3.20.4.1. Fire detection – response
The Authority is dependent on reporting of fires via
the 111 emergency call system. It has been
identified that the largest number of fires reported
within the District are from human causes. The
following sets out in general terms the fire detection
and reporting processes:
• fires are reported, generally by members of the
public via 111
• such fires are generally responded to by the
nearest and or available VRFF or NZFS Brigade or
a combination of both based upon the
pre-determined attendance on the NZFS ICAD
system utilisation by the Communication Centre.
The fire or incident is notified via pager to the PRFO or DPRFO. (Refer to NZFS Communications Centres
Statement of Service Performance.)
The use of the 111 system for notification of fire
is imperative. Any other systems will be discouraged.
This system will be included in public education initiatives and the public notified that a 111 call is the quickest response method available.
Fire personnel will be requested to maintain
additional vigilance during high to extreme fire
danger conditions.
The PRFO shall ensure that the collection, recording and filling of fire weather details is carried out.
3.20.4. Fire signage
Fire signage within the District shall be in accordance with NRFA Circular 2014-10 Revised
– National Rural Fire Authority Standard Signs or as the Authority deems appropriate. Fire signs shall be maintained to the highest standard. The policy is
3.20.5.
Communications
The District has a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio communications network available for use with Emergency Services Band (ESB) channels.
The NZFS Auckland Region operates all incident
ground and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communications on the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio communications network. All LMR radios fitted Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
25
to VRFF appliances are on the UHF network. Use of Operational Planning/Data Coordinator.
LMRs is to be in compliance with NZFS Policy M3-2 Support can be requested through the Northern
Communication Centre. Resources available include:
LMR (NCI-5) as adopted by the Authority.
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The Authority has provided VRFF with UHF hand held radios for use on incident grounds where
NZFS brigades are also in attendance to enable
direct communication and enhance fire fighter
safety. Some NZFS brigades have also been supplied
with VHF radios to achieve the above incident
ground communication requirements.
VHF hand held radios will include DOC and
Forestry Channels where appropriate, provided the
required permissions are obtained for the use of
these frequencies.
In the event of a large incident requiring greater than a second alarm turnout and where there are multiple VRFF and NZFS crews working on the fire ground, consideration shall be given to requesting
support from the NZFS through the Regional
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
• Mobile Incident Control Facilities
• Cross band (UHF/VHF) linking equipment
• UHF & VHF portable repeaters
• Incident ground communication.
The PRFO and DPRFO will carry a cell phone and
pager when on duty.
The Authority maintains the following portable repeaters for use at campaign fires.
• ES 164
• ES 180.
4. Response
For the purpose of administration and implementation
of this Fire Plan, where the position of Principal
Rural Fire Officer (PRFO) is mentioned, the officers
appointed as Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers
(DPRFOs) have the same powers as the Principal Rural
Fire Officer.
The aim is to suppress any fire requiring containment
quickly and as effectively as possible to minimise
the consequence of fire. This will be achieved by
responding in a planned, cost effective manner with
sufficient resources of personnel and equipment to
enable containment and suppression of the fire safely.
The detail in this section of the Fire plan includes
policies and procedures for response to fires within
the district.
The Authority will actively deploy helicopters as a
method of aggressive initial attack. This is to quickly
contain the fire to maximise crew safety and minimise
ground crew exposure to extended ground attack and
mop up.
Strategies implemented to suppress the fire must take
into account the prevailing fire behaviour conditions
of available fuels, weather and topography as well
as ensuring the safety of all personnel at all times.
Personnel responding to a fire or emergency incident
will proceed promptly and in a safe manner having
due regard for the appropriate transport regulations
applying to emergency response vehicles.
Priorities for emergencies are:
First Human life
Second Property
Third Protected sites and high value
conservation areas
Fourth Vegetation and other values
The stakeholders of the District will by agreement
provide personnel, equipment and other resources
which may be necessary to assist the PRFO with
suppression of fires within the District. Where the
Authority is faced with multiple or competing response
requirements on more than one stakeholder’s land,
the PRFO will direct the stakeholders to attend first to
the suppression of fires on their own lands within their
own resource capability. The PRFO will for this purpose
maintain control over other resources and deploy them
base on priority using models established under the
coordinated incident management system.
Where stakeholder resources are deployed by the
Authority for initial attack and response, approvals
for ongoing deployment beyond the first shift will be
sought from the stakeholder senior management.
With safety being the prime consideration, the
Authority’s policy is:
The Authority has also adopted a series of
predetermined response plans for key areas of elevated
threat or conservation values. These plans should be
read in conjunction with this section of the fire plan.
4.1. How the Authority receives and deals with calls for assistance at a fire.
(Refer section 3.19.2.3)
The use of the 111 system for notification of fire is
imperative; any other systems will be discouraged.
This fire reporting system will be included in public
education initiatives with the public being notified
that a 111 call is the quickest reporting and response
method available.
The 24 hour process of reporting all fires should be
directed through the Emergency 111 system this will
ensure proper recording, notification and full response
to the incident. (Refer to section 3.20.5)
4.2. Duties to respond
To be read in conjunction with Auckland Rural Fire
Authority’s ARFA 0024 Duties to respond and powers
at fires.
Primary responsibility for responding to fires in rural
areas lies with the Authority. In accordance with
various agreements with other organisations as
referred to in Section 3.13 of this Plan (page 23), the
NZFS may respond to fires in rural areas within the
District if it considers that it could render effective
protection to life and property. The NZFS has provision
to charge the Authority for equipment and or some
personnel at a fire after the first hour.
“Safe aggressive initial attack to contain the fire and
minimise the threat of spread”
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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4.3. Fire ground command and control structure
• high values at risk, possibly including those of
environmental, cultural and heritage significance
All fires within the District are the responsibility of the
Authority as the lead agency.
• controlled by local/regional resources and may
involve multiple agencies or requested Regional
Incident Management Team (RIMT) personnel.
The senior member of the rural fire force will maintain
control of the incident, command of all support
services will remain with the highest ranking person
from that service.
There is strength with adopting the CIMS structure and
its modular nature. It can be expanded on to meet the
requirements of incident management. The incident,
its progression and the available resources will
determine the actual structure for the incident.
4.3.1. Levels of incident
All incidents will be managed under the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS). Incident
levels are defined as Levels 1, 2 or 3 as specified:
Level 1 Incidents
A level 1 incident is characterised by:
• small to medium fires that can be controlled
within 12 hours
• is able to be resolved through the use of local or
initial response resources only
• the major function is operations and therefore this
function can usually be carried out by the Incident
Controller. Being relatively minor, the other
functions of planning and logistics will, generally
be undertaken concurrently by the Incident
Controller
• controlled by an Initial Response Team or Local
Incident Management Team (LIMT).
Level 2 Incidents
A level 2 incident is characterised by:
• medium to large fires that can be controlled
within 12-24 hours
• are more complex either in size, resources or risk
requiring the need for:
˚deployment of resources beyond initial response or;
˚ sectorise the incident or;
˚be the establishment of functional sections due to the levels of complexity (e.g. logistics and planning) or;
˚a combination of the above
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Level 3 Incidents
A level 3 incident is characterised by:
• large and complex fires that may take several days
to control and suppress
• likely to occur at periods of Very High or Extreme
fire weather conditions with the potential for
extreme fire behavior
• degrees of complexity that may require
the establishment of Divisions for effective
management of the situation. These incidents will
usually involve the delegation of all functions
• significant values are at risk with large suppression
costs likely. Level 3 incidents may also apply when
significant areas of environmental, cultural and
heritage values are at risk
• controlled by Regional Incident Management
Team (RIMT) or National Incident Management
Team (NIMT) using local/regional/national
resources and involving multiple agencies.
Where the NIMT is managing the fire for another
organisation, then the appointment of a Liaison
Officer from that organisation may be required. A
Response Coordinator and Emergency Coordination
Centre may be established in a Region to coordinate
multiple incidents.
4.3.1.1.
Level 1 Incident Command
and control structure
Incident Controller / Operations Manager
Senior Warranted Rural Fire Officer
In attendance
Officer in Charge
Officer in Charge
of each attending
appliance
of each attending
appliance
(NZFS or Rural)
(NZFS or Rural)
Crew Members
Crew Members
Of each attending
appliance
of each attending
appliance
(NZFS or Rural)
(NZFS or Rural)
4.3.1.2.
Level 2 Incident Command
and control structure
Incident Controller
Safety Officer
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer
Or Principal Rural Fire Officer
Planning and
Intelligence Manager
Senior Warranted
Rural Fire Officer
Operations Manager
Senior Warranted
Rural Fire Officer
Planning and
Intelligence staff
Warranted or
Delegated
Expand as required
(NZFS or Rural)
Rural Fire Officer
Logistics Manager
Senior Warranted
Rural Fire Officer
Officer of
New Zealand
Fire Service
Logistics
staff
Expand as
required
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
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4.3.1.3.
Level 3 Incident Command
and control structure
Incident Controller
Safety Officer
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer
Or Principal Rural Fire Officer
Planning and
Intelligence Manager
Senior Warranted
Rural Fire Officer
Resources
Situation
Operations Manager
Senior Warranted Rural Fire Officer
Officer
of other
supporting
agencies
Agency
resources
Warranted
or Delegated
Officer of
New Zealand
Fire
Service
Rural Fire
Officer
Sector
Supervisors.
Air ops / Sectors
Logistics Manager
Senior Warranted
Rural Fire Officer
Supply
Communications
Mapping / GIS
Catering
Crews
Supply
Crew Leaders or
Officers of NZFS
Crews
The Authority supports and encourages the use of the CIMS at all incidents.
As per the relevant legislation and policies, in particular Section 36(1) Forest & Rural Fires Act 1977, Control
at fires within the district is the responsibility of the PRFO or delegated RFO. This includes control of resources
and personnel from other organisations such as the NZFS, DOC, Forest Owners or other service providers. Those
support agencies will retain command of their own resources. i.e. NZFS officer in charge at a fire has the powers
conferred on them under S.28, Fire Service Act 1975 and is in command of NZFS resources.
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Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
4.4. Incident management teams
The CIMS model will be the management structure
under which all fire incidents will be managed.
Each incident must have a management structure
appropriate to the complexity of the incident with the
flexibility and numbers of trained personnel to expand
the structure as the incident escalates or the number
of incidents increase.
It is important to distinguish between Incident Control,
which relates to situations and operates horizontally
across agencies, and command which operates
vertically within an agency. An incident has only one
Incident Controller but a number of lines of command
may be required depending on the number of agencies
involved.
COORDINATION
CONTROL
relates to situations and
operates horizontally across
agencies
COMMAND
relates to single agencies and
operates vertically within an
agency
The CIMS model promotes the establishment and
use of incident management roles and functions
at incidents. In reality, at small and short duration
incidents where most personnel are involved in the
physical response operations, often one person fulfills
the roles of an Incident Management Team (IMT).
Upon escalation of the incident the number in the
IMT may also increase using the personnel resources
available.
If the needs of the incident surpass the capacity and
capability of the Authority, assistance may be sought
from the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT).
Activation of the RIMT can be achieved through the
Comcens or NRFA Manager Rural Fire, Auckland. This
may be in the form of an entire RIMT or to fill certain
positions on the incident IMT.
In the event that further assistance is required, the
NRFA provides for National Incident Management
Teams (NIMT). These can be requested through the
NRFA Manager Rural Fire, Auckland or the National
Rural Fire Officer.
4.5. Initial response of the fire authority
to a fire
Once notified of incident via the NZFS 24/7 pager call
out system the PRFO or DPRFO shall:
• contact control room for further details and if
required
˚ be put through to the appliance via the communication Centre and/or
˚ proceed to incident and/or
˚ request additional details, F.W.I. and/or Weather forecasts and/or
• as soon as practicably possible or within 24 hours
notify NRFA should the fire:
˚ be likely to be of significant size
˚ cause major damage, injury, death
˚ potentially attract media attention
˚ be a claim against the RFFF.
For any of the incidents above the PRFO shall attend
the incident and refer to the Action for Emergency
checklist to begin immediate implementation as
appropriate.
• If the fire has not been contained within 1 hour of
arrival, a verbal report must be given to the NRFA
within 2 hours.
• If the fire is not contained within 12 hours, a written
report must be faxed or e-mailed to the NRFA on
CIMS situation report form 201 and CIMS Incident
status summary form 224 within 12 hours. For all
vegetation fires larger than 1 ha a written report
must be faxed or e-mailed to the NRFA within 24 hrs
of initial deployment.
4.6. Notification to key stakeholders
If the fire is located on DOC estate, immediate
notification of the fire will be sent to the on call DOC
staff member via pager or phone call.
If the fire is located in a forest area immediate
notification will be sent to the forest on call duty
officer or nominated after hours organisation.
4.7. Greater alarm response procedures for the District
To assist in the effective management of vegetation
fires within the district Pre-determined Attendances
(PDA) have been established. These PDAs are based
around the specific risks and response requirements of
the zone in which the incident occurs.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
31
The greater alarms should be used in place of “make
pumps / make tankers”. This is best achieved by
understanding what you will receive when you use
greater alarms.
Note: It is important to understand that each response
zone may have a different PDA. To fully understand
the alarm levels for a VRFF the specific PDA should be
reviewed with the DPRFO.
If any resources are not required that are turned out as
part of greater alarm, such as helicopters, they should
be stood down either at the time of requesting the
greater alarm or shortly after.
Consideration should also be made for the level of
incident being attended. Refer to section 4.3.1.
There are 6 levels of response to any incident.
Min – A minimum response is one truck per call. Under
the Section 15 agreement with the NZFS a NZFS
appliance will back up all rural appliances responding to
Min calls. The Rural Fire Officer is currently not notified
immediately. This notification is by way of monthly
statistic reporting from NZFS to the Authority.
If the call turns out to be a vegetation call, the NZFS
will then notify the relevant DPRFO for that area.
1st Alarm – A first alarm will consist of 2 pumps. This
may initially be 2 NZFS appliances or a rural pump and
a NZFS pump. This is based on closest appliance to the
incident. The DPRFO is notified and may attend. For
islands with no VRFF or NZFS Brigade a second RFO
will be attached and will ensure that transport of crews
and equipment to the island is as efficient as possible.
2nd Alarm – All 2nd alarm appliances are in addition
to a 1st Alarm turnout. For vegetation turnouts a
2nd Alarm will include the NZFS Command unit, a
tanker and it places a helicopter on standby. It will also
include additional pumps. Police and Ambulance may
be notified and may respond. The DPRFO is notified
and will attend. The PRFO will be notified and may
attend.
3rd Alarm – All 3rd alarm appliances are in addition
to a 2nd Alarm turnout. For vegetation turnout a 3rd
Alarm will include the NZFS Canteen unit. It will also
include additional tankers and pumps as determined in
the pre-determined attendance. The Rural Fire Officer
is notified and will attend. The DPRFO is notified and
will attend. The PRFO will be notified and may attend.
32
4.8. Action by appropriate NZFS brigades
or VRFF
The Officer in charge of a Brigade or Fire Force (when
acting as the Incident Controller) shall:
• follow Standard Call Out operating procedures
• proceed to fire
• confirm location and nature of incident if required
• establish communications network that include, as
applicable
˚ fire-line and fire-ground communications
˚ command and control communications
˚ cell-phone links
˚ ground to air communications
• establish and follow incident management
procedures as detailed in the CIMS model
• early consideration needs to be given with respect to
the requirement for additional incident management
expertise.
4.9. Additional action required
The most senior fire officer in attendance or person
designated by the Incident Controller at the fire shall
refer to the Action for Emergency checklist to begin
immediate implementation as appropriate. So as to:
• ensure that people who are, or are liable to be
affected or trapped by the fire are warned of the
danger
• plan the fire response according to the
following priorities:
4th Alarm - All 4th alarm appliances are in addition
to a 3rd Alarm turnout. For vegetation turnout a 4th
Alarm will include additional tankers and pumps as
determined in the PDA. The DPRFO is notified and will
attend. The PRFO will be notified and will attend.
FirstHuman life
5th Alarm - All 5th alarm appliances are in addition
to a 4th Alarm turnout. For vegetation turnout a 5th
Alarm will include additional tankers and pumps as
determined in the PDA. The DPRFO is notified and will
attend. The PRFO will be notified and will attend.
Fourth Vegetation and other values
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Second
Property
Third
Protected sites and high value
conservation areas
• shall undertake a risk assessment balancing the
values at risk against the required resources to
contain the fire
• shall proceed in a safe manner to attempt to contain
the fire and minimise further loss as efficiently and
effectively as possible
• after initial assessment of the fire the Incident
Controller is to:
˚ establish an Incident Control Point
˚ provide an update to control room
˚ initiate deployment of additional resources
(if and when required)
˚ request attendance of or ensure updates are provided to the PRFO or DPRFO
˚ if the fire is not within the District they will
notify the PRFO or DPRFO who will notify
theappropriate stakeholder/landowner within one hour
˚ advise neighbouring authorities or relevant forest owners of standing requirements
˚ maintain a fire log to record all decisions,
personnel and equipment movements using the
RF200 form as a minimum (supplemented by
Incident Management Team Position logs)
˚ review the position of Incident Controller
• manage all of the above actions in accordance with
the principles CIMS.
otherwise interfere with fire operations (unless they
have a primary interest in property burning
or threatened)
• pull down any fire damaged structure that is
in danger
• every person commits an offence against the
Act who resists, deceives, harasses or knowingly
obstructs any PRFO or person acting under the
instruction of the PRFO
• the police are empowered under the Act to support
and assist a fire officer in the maintenance of his
Authority and enforcing due obedience by all persons
to his orders in the execution of his duty.
At a fire:
• protect and if necessary tape off the scene around
point of ignition for fire investigation purposes
• maintain a register of resources in use or on standby
at the fire
• maintain appropriate fire log of the incident to assist
with cost recovery, prosecution or fire debrief
• authorise the stand down of resources as soon
as possible
• when appropriate declare the fire to be contained
4.10. The role of the Principal Rural
Fire Officer
• arrange mop up and patrol resources as required
Under Sections 36, 37 and 38 of the Forest and Rural
Fires Act 1977, the PRFO may upon outbreak of fire:
• ensure that all incident reporting is complete
• proceed, or arrange for a competent Deputy to
proceed to the fire
• if in his or her opinion, the fire constitutes a hazard
to life or property endeavour to extinguish or prevent
the spread of the fire by all practical means
• have control of any brigade and any volunteers
• enter or direct the entry and take apparatus upon
any land, house, building or premises
• take any reasonable measures including the burning
of vegetation and the removal or pulling down of
building and fences
• subject to the Controller of Civil Defence during a
State of Emergency cause water to be shut off or be
taken from any supply
• close any road or thoroughfare to traffic during the fire
• shut off the supply of gas or electricity to any
building in the vicinity of fire
• order the removal by any Fire Officer or brigade
member of any persons who by their presence or
• when appropriate declare the fire to be out
• maintain overall control of fire prevention and
suppression within the District
• authorisation of extra machinery to be hired for the
suppression of fire within the District, e.g. heavy
machinery and aircraft
• liaise with neighbouring Territorial Authorities, RFA
and other organisations with an interest in forest and
rural fire control, so that the fullest possible
co-operation and understanding exists between
all parties
• make claims on the RFFF and recovery of costs from
persons responsible for fire
• ensure that all fire equipment is in an appropriate
condition and ready for immediate use
• ensure that following the use of any equipment,
deficiencies are replaced and equipment is
fully serviced.
4.11. Role of the Rural Fire Officer
Assume the responsibilities of the PRFO if he/she is
absent at any time.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
33
4.12. Incident Controller
• On arrival assess the situation, e.g. risk to life and
property, exact location, fire size, fuel, topography,
weather, (including wind strength and direction)
rate of fire spread and fuel ahead of the fire. It is
recommended that the likely Point of Ignition needs
to be taped off and activity minimised in this area.
• Assess requirements in terms of fire fighters
and equipment; e.g. fire appliances – two-wheel
drive or four-wheel drive, portable pumps, heavy
machinery, aerial support. The Incident Controller
needs to then plan the attack - take note of access
to fire, availability of water for helicopters with
monsoon buckets, escape routes etc. This needs
to be documented on the NRFA RF 200 form at a
minimum.
• The Incident Control/Command Structure using
CIMS shall be adopted at all incidents. Delegate
duties as required in accordance with the Fire
Control/Command Structure at all fires.
• Ensure that the required resources are organised and
dispatched to the fire ground.
• Ensure all fire-fighters including fire force members;
volunteers and farmers are appropriately trained or
briefed on fire ground safety and dressed to meet the
requirements of Personal Protective Equipment.
• Ensure all personnel are provided with appropriate
safety equipment - fire proof overalls or long sleeved
shirt and pants, safe footwear, safety helmets.
(NB: No synthetic clothing is to be worn).
• Ensure additional resources and equipment are
organised as required.
• Brief fire crews on the fire environment, methods
of attack, and give all crews a safety briefing before
they enter the fire ground. Unqualified crews must
be placed under the supervision of qualified crews.
• When necessary, notify the Logistics Manager of
relief requirements. NB: Allow plenty of time to
locate relief crews, e.g. three to four hours.
• Ensure that all fire crews are fed and rested regularly.
NB: Be particularly aware of the combined effects of
smoke, heat and carbon monoxide build-up on the
fire crews. Check them off against the Personnel Log
during meal or rest breaks.
• Should you decide to undertake burn out operations,
ensure that all fire crews and equipment are clear of
the fire area. Utilise Personnel Log.
REMINDER - only the Incident Controller with
approval from PRFO can approve a back burn
or burnout.
34
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
• Make a final inspection of the area burnt, and check
that the fire is out. Dampen down any hot spots
found during inspection.
• Ensure that no personnel leave the area without
express permission or until instructed.
(Check fire crews during meal break as a safety check
for fatigue etc).
• Ensure that all fire crews dispatched to the fire zone
have logged in and logged out on completion of the
operation. (Personnel Log).
• Arrange for all tools and equipment to be collected
and returned from the incident ground.
4.13. Additional fire-fighting resources are deployed if extended action is required
In the event that the Authority requires equipment,
resources or personnel from agencies outside
the District and or NZFS, such assistance shall be
requested from such agencies including neighbouring
or other Fire Authorities, the NRFA, Forest Owners
or management companies, DOC or any other
organisation able to assist.
Any resources provided by any agency supporting
this request must be compliant with industry
minimum standards.
The rural fire fighting capacity and capability of the
Authority lies primarily with the VRFFs in concert with
the NZFS in accordance with the agreements held
between the two organisations.
The Authority is responsible for ensuring that VRFF
personnel are trained in the use of the equipment
and resources. Each VRFF is responsible for regular
testing, inspections and maintenance of equipment
to meet the minimum standards set by the NRFA and
or Authority, including the recording of such testing,
inspections and maintenance.
ARFA 0032 Resources Register 2014 – The resource
list of the Authority contains a list of agencies,
organisations and individuals able to provide such
assistance. In order to maintain currency of this list, it
is required to be checked and verified as accurate by
the end of November each year and the date of such
an audit of currency noted. This list shall be made
available to all VRFFs, RFOs and other operational staff
as required but will not be made public or attached to
public versions of this plan.
4.13.1NZFS support
Further to any formal agreements held with the NZFS, the NZFS Auckland Region has a number of resources and specialist personnel available to the Authority upon request through the Northern Communication Centre. These include:
• there are at least two aircraft and pilots available
at the incident that are able to conduct night
operations
• Mobile Command / Hazardous Material Units.
• it will be possible for pilots to maintain continual
visual reference with the ground.
• Mobile Breathing Apparatus Support Unit.
• Telecommunication and general communication
support.
• navigation and anti-collision lights shall be
displayed at all times.
• Volunteer Operational Support Units able to
provide catering for personnel, scene and traffic
control, and general support.
• vehicle lights in aircraft operational areas shall
be dipped. Rotating beacons on vehicles shall not
be used.
4.13.2. Use of helicopters
When anticipating the use of helicopters, the following shall be considered:
NVG shall only be used when;
• the Aircraft Operator holds an AOC or, in the
case of an NZDF aircraft, is authorised for NVG
operations by Aviation Orders
• fire fighter safety on the fire ground
• values at risk – i.e. does the fire have to be
suppressed, simply controlled or allowed to burn
• the pilot meets NVG currency requirements
• can more cost effective means of suppression be
safely employed (e.g. heavy machinery) comparing
the cost benefits of using helicopters against other
suppression options
• the aircraft is certified for NVG operations
• current and predicted fire behavior – available
fuels, weather, topography
• lighting arrangements are suited for NVG
• ground crew have been briefed in relation to the
implications of NVG
• NVG operations by non-NZDF pilots shall be
conducted in accordance with AC91-9321
• is there a predetermined response plan in place
for deploying aircraft or other resources to the fire
location
4.13.3.2. Additional considerations for
night operations
• Completion of the ARFA 0030 Risk Assessment –
Flight Operations form.
• If it is anticipated that night operations may be
required, the pilots concerned shall pay particular
attention during the preceding daylight hours to
circuit patterns, climb profiles relative to terrain
and to the location of flight path hazards.
4.13.3. Use of helicopters for night operations
The Authority has adopted a cautious approach to the use of helicopters at night. This approach follows the NRFA Draft Standard for use of aircraft at wildfires. The requirements set down in this standard override the requirements of this fire plan when it has been confirmed as industry
best practice.
4.13.3.1. Approval of night flying operations
The NRFA Standard for use of aircraft at wildfires states:
Use of aircraft at night shall only occur with the approval of the Principal Rural Fire Officer or his Deputy and under the following circumstances:
• it has been demonstrated by a formal risk
assessment that night flying can be undertaken
safely; (Refer to section 4.13.3.2)
• the Principal Rural Fire Officer or his Deputy
determines that there is a pressing need for
night operations in order to protect life or other
significant property of value;
• For this reason, except for aircraft being
flown with NVG, night operations shall not
be commenced on a new or unfamiliar fire
front unless this is in an area of similar terrain.
4.13.4. Authority to request helicopters
Authority to request helicopters lies with the incident controller. On receipt of a request for
a helicopter by the ComCens a helicopter will be placed on standby and the DPRFO will be contacted for authority to deploy it.
The DPRFO shall make their way to the fire as quickly and safely as possible and remain in contact with the Officer in Charge of the incident whilst en route either via radiotelephone or mobile phone. Use of mobile phones whilst traveling in a vehicle will be done in accordance with current legislation in regard to such use.
If life or property is at risk a Senior NZFS officer or a
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
35
Warranted RFO may respond a helicopter immediately without the authorisation of the
DPRFO. If this is required the DPRFO will be notified immediately.
Aircraft operations must have a designated Air
Operations Manager who is responsible for
the safety of personnel and filling procedures. Notwithstanding this, personnel must be conscious of undertaking safe practices and following safety rules when approaching, or working near, any aircraft.
Personnel who wear helmets when working with aircraft shall use chinstraps to make helmets secure.
Safety procedures must be adhered to when working with aircraft. The Incident Controller must ensure:
• adequate safety procedures are in place before any
personnel are committed to air support operations
• that an appropriate risk assessment is undertaken
and documented on the ARFA 0030 Risk
Assessment – Flight Operations form to ensure
the safety of all aerial operations.
with its preferred suppliers that allows for resources to be placed on standby to allow for quick response if called upon. The suppliers prefer to be notified of a possibility of being called out to allow planning and preparation rather than a “surprise” call out.
The same principals and policy applies for heavy machinery, private bulk water suppliers and suppliers
of other firefighting resources for which a charge would be made against the Authority.
4.14. Command and control at a fire
• The Incident Controller has controlling authority over
all resources (men and equipment) committed for
the control of fires.
• At any fire attended the CIMS model will be adopted
as detailed in the “Command Structure” section of
this Fire Plan.
• Any person at any level from Incident Controller
(IC) to fire fighter should ensure for themselves and
others that three basic requirements are met:
˚ a clearly defined job within a person’s
capabilities
˚ a clear understanding of who a person is
responsible to
A Lead Pilot shall be appointed by the Incident Controller/Air Operations Manager to co-ordinate ˚ a clear understanding of what each person is
and supervise all pilots engaged in aerial suppression responsible for.
operations. This appointment must be recorded on • Stakeholders or other personnel reporting to a fire
the Incident Log.
call will:
Consideration should be given to requesting ˚ check in at the Incident Control Point (ICP) or the
temporary restricted airspace at large fires where assembly area and name all personnel and there are three or more aircraft working or where equipment contributed
a convection column of smoke may create a hazard to passing aircraft. The Lead Pilot or Air Operations ˚ receive a defined task identifying designation within organisation, person to whom responsible, Manager should advise the Incident Controller of this need, also having given regard to the impact of responsibilities (supervisors, personnel, equipment,
sector,
etc.),
and
additional
resources
other aircraft in the airspace on the safety of aerial available
fire fighting operations.
˚ receive a full briefing on the communications The Authority has a single point of contact for system and fire (placement of resources, preferred helicopter operators within the region.
call signs, radio channels, fuel types, methods of This operator will co-ordinate all requests and where
suppression, sectors, threats, weather, etc.)
required will contact other operators on the
˚ brief accompanying personnel (assigned tasks,
Authorities behalf in order to ensure a fast and
effective response. The operator is Skywork and can responsibilities and fire situation).
be responded via the ComCens.
• When carrying out a task, personnel will:
All providers of helicopter services to the Authority will maintain their own firefighting equipment to industry standards and will be accredited to agreed industry standards. All firefighting operations are to meet the agreed industry standards for Fire Fighting.
If the PRFO, RFO or OIC is unsure if a helicopter may be needed, the Authority has an understanding 36
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
˚ ensure an effective and safe chain of command at all times
˚ ensure effective communications at all times
˚ provide situation reports up the chain
of command
˚ maintain records of inputs to the fire (i.e., hours worked by personnel and equipment)
˚ accord safety the highest priority; avoid high danger situations (i.e., upslope, unburned
fuel, etc.).
• Upon demobilisation personnel will:
˚
˚
˚
˚
ensure successor is briefed
account for all personnel and equipment
ensure inputs to the fire are recorded
check out at the ICP.
The Incident Controller is responsible for the overall
coordination of response activities in an emergency
situation and is the person in charge at an incident.
The Incident Controller fulfills all management
functions and responsibilities until the incident requires
additional appointments to the required positions.
Major responsibilities include:
Establishing the Incident Control Point (ICP):
• establishing command and control. Notify the
Northern Communication Centre via a K44 of the
name of the Incident controller and the location of
the Incident Control Point
• protecting life and property
• controlling personnel and equipment
• maintaining accountability for responder and public
safety, as well as for task accomplishment
• establishing and maintaining effective liaison with
outside organisations, including the Emergency
Coordination Centre (ECC), when it is activated.
Initially, the Incident Controller will be the senior
‘first-responder’ to arrive at the scene. As additional
responders arrive, control will transfer on the basis of
which agency has statutory or agreed responsibility for
overall control of the incident. As incidents grow in size
or become more complex, the responsible jurisdiction
or agency may assign a more qualified Incident
Controller. Any change of incident controller needs to
be documented and logged with the Comcens using
the code K45.
When an ICP is established this will be logged with the
Comcens using the K44 code. An appropriate incident
name will be assigned to the ICP. This will be either the
street name or the general location.
Note: When an ICP is established the Incident
Controller must be specified.
4.15. Use of suppressants and retardants
The Authority supports the use of additives including
retardants and encourages the use of foam as
a surfactant/barrier when being applied at the
appropriate rates to support effective fire suppression.
The environment must be considered when using
these products. The use of these products must be
communicated to fire fighters during training and
appropriate protection provided.
Where possible the use of chemicals is to be avoided
in wetlands, swamps and other waterways. Precautions
must be taken to minimise any major contamination
of watercourses.
Class A foam will be used by helicopter operators
whenever they attend a fire unless specifically advised
otherwise.
4.15.1. Use of foam or soap capsules –
suppressants
Class A foam or soap capsules should be used for direct fire suppression and mopping up. Saturol soap capsules have an economic advantage being a cheaper alternative to foam. Foam has only short-
term retardant properties and is best applied at or just ahead of the flame front. It may be applied using either ground or aerial methods.
Due to the number of variables (pump pressure, wind, fuel, etc.), the effectiveness of any foam
application must be judged by visual effect.
Toenable this there must be direct communications to the operators applying the foam (i.e. Ground to Air, Pump to Nozzle).
4.15.2. Class A foam mixing ratios
Foam mixing ratios will vary between 0.01 per cent and 0.5 per cent. E.g. At 0.01 per cent 1000 litres of water in a helicopter bucket will require 1 litre of foam concentrate.
Ground application
Foam must be stored and applied from original 20
litre containers. Foam is to be used in accordance
with industry best practice.
Aircraft application
Mixing ratios will vary between 0.01 per cent and 0.5 per cent. (0.01 per cent will be used unless specified otherwise).
Ground crew should wear warm protective wet weather clothing, goggles and if possible use a barrier cream to prevent the drying of the skin. Water should be added before the foam. Foam should be added using an open top container
(i.e. bucket). Skywork operate an aircraft dosing unit; pilots should be consulted prior to the addition of any additives to the bucket.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
37
Do not add foam in the presence of other chemicals In the event of a fire call when no warranted RFO is
(i.e. Firetrol).
in attendance, the senior member of the Fire Force in
attendance at the time shall assume command of the
Salt water may be used and foam must be used with
appliance. In such a case the senior member assuming
salt water. The foam mixing ratios are normally command shall be deemed a RFO and may exercise
doubled when using salt water.
all of the powers and hold the responsibilities of a
The helicopter application will be relevant to warranted officer until such time as they are relieved
conditions on the day and following discussion with by a warranted officer, or they are able to hand control
the pilot but a rule of thumb is (depending on wind of the incident to an officer of the Authority or an
conditions) and flying height 10 to 15 metres above officer of the NZFS. They shall then place themselves
the fire. Forward speed must be maintained to
and their resources under the command of that officer.
aerate the mixture during application. Effective
In all such situations the DPRFO is to be advised via
feedback from the ground crew will assist pilots with
the Comcens to confirm the temporary appointment
ensuring they are adequately applying water
and shall monitor or attend the incident as required
wherever possible the use of an Air Attack
under this scenario.
Supervisor is desired, with approval of the PRFO.
If a crew has been requested out of their initial turn
4.15.3. Use of Firetrol 936 – retardant
out area for personnel or in support of a campaign fire
then a full crew including a qualified crew leader is
Firetrol is a manufacturer of a range of fire required. If a full crew is not available then Comcens
suppressants including 936 which is a long term should be notified and clarification required from the
retardant which allows it to be applied well ahead Incident Controller before responding to the incident.
of a fire or be used to make chemical firebreaks. It
is usually applied by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft. 4.18. Health and Safety
Firetrol 936 is traditionally stored in non-corrodible 20 litre containers (30 kgs) to allow easy use. The
use of large drums at fires (e.g. 200 litres) is to
be discouraged unless there are safe lifting and
transportation facilities.
When fire-fighting Firetrol 936 is used with water the following rates apply:
• crown fires, peat and duff layers - 1 unit retardant to 5 units water
• fires in fern, broom and manuka, gorse - 1 unit retardant to 10 units water
• fires in grass and tussock - 1 unit retardant to 15 units water.
4.16. Conservation or riparian areas
Precautions must be taken to minimise any significant
contamination of watercourses. Firetrol 936 is harmful
to aquatic life and acts as a fertiliser that drastically
alters the habitat of low fertility areas. When possible,
appropriate technical advice should be sought from
DOC or an environmental agency before application.
4.17. Short crew response
With the exception of tankers or other specialist
appliances, the minimum crew for response shall be
three VRFF members. The Comcens is to be advised
via radiotelephone that the appliance is responding
with a short crew. The Comcens may adjust the
incident turnout based on this advice.
38
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Health and safety is critical to the Authority, due to
the diverse, dynamic and high risk environments that
can occur during response. The Authority will strive
for a high level of engagement, ensuring a culture
where people consistently give priority to the safety
of themselves and their colleagues, and focussing on
those hazards that have the potential to be fatal or
cause serious harm.
The Authority will maintain and follow ARFA 0035
H&S Manual FINAL which describes the systems that
are in place to ensure that all practicable steps are
taken to ensure that everyone on the fire-ground
is safe. This systems described in this document
include, Hazard Management, Induction, training and
supervision, incident reporting and investigations,
volunteer participation, emergency readiness, and
rehabilitation as well as descriptions of roles and
responsibilities across Rural Fire. These systems are
designed to integrate Rural Fire with wider Auckland
Council health and safety procedures.
The Authority will also maintain ARFA 0034 H&S
Document Portfolio, which contains documents for
regular use, including hazard management plans
describing how the hazards of the fire ground will be
managed and frequently used forms.
The NRFA has developed a position paper outlining
concerns and suggestions on policy to manage
the access to larger blocks of vegetation in a more
considered and safer manner. More often than not
these blocks have questionable access and egress;
many of the larger blocks have dead end roads and
marginal turn around areas. This has the risk of an
entrapment situation with an advancing fire.
The PRFO has distributed a memorandum [ARFA 0019
Memo: Re Exotic Forest Plantation and Private “Road
Egress” and “Safe Forward Points”] which states the
following requirement:
Any responding appliances or crews always:
1.establish a ‘Safe Forward Point’ determined by
local knowledge, roads being ‘fit for purpose’ with
no encroaching vegetation for vehicles along with
adequate road surface, turnarounds and signage
2.if they do not have a thorough local knowledge of
the block they are entering, or they can’t see safe
access to the fire they must not enter the forest
until safe access has been determined by aerial
reconnaissance or RFA 4x4 scout vehicle.
This memorandum and the preceding position paper
from the NRFA are available from the Auckland Rural
Fire Authority.
Refer to the Authorities Health and Safety manual
for further information. In situations where policy or
practice conflicts with the Health and Safety policy
of the Authority, direction should be taken from the
Health and Safety policy.
4.19. Rations at fires
Where personnel have been working for four (4) hours
without a substantive meal before being called to a
fire, action is to be taken to provide such a meal within
three hours of them arriving at the fire.
For a fire of longer duration, substantial meals must
be provided or be available to each person involved at
least every six (6) hours, preferably ever four (4) hours.
As per section 4.13.1 the NZFS Volunteer Operational
Support Unit may be available to provide such meals.
Water and nutritional replacement fluids to mitigate
the effects of dehydration are to be readily available to
all personnel involved.
4.20. Fire direction signs
The easiest route to the fire site is important and
should be identified by utilising “fire directional” signs
(if carried). This is essential should the fire be remote
from normal access. Those appliances not carrying fire
signs can identify the route for back up crews through
the use of road cones or other equipment. Once the
route has been established any identifying equipment
should be uplifted.
4.21. Use of breathing apparatus
The Authority acknowledges the requirement in some
instances, for the use of breathing apparatus (BA). This
assists achieving the goals of this plan to protect life
and property. It recognises the health and safety of fire
fighting personnel and the needs of the communities in
which they serve.
The policy is that all breathing apparatus equipment
may be worn and used only by personnel who have
successfully completed and attained competency
in the NZFS breathing apparatus training course.
They must maintain the required currency in that
competency. The policy of the NZFS relating to
breathing apparatus, which has been adopted by the
Authority, must also be complied with before using
breathing apparatus at an incident. For the purposes of
training, BA can be worn when the wearer is under the
direct supervision of a qualified BA wearer.
4.22. Effective communications
4.22.1. Radio systems at fires
The establishment and maintenance of effective radio communication is top priority at any fire.
Communication is essential to ensure safety, summon aid, effect organisation, maintain control, direct resources, provide instructions, enable
co-ordination and co-operation, keep people informed, and to record events and decisions.
The first objective of any personnel, first at the fire scene i.e. OIC is to establish communications with the Comcens.
The second objective is for the Incident Controller of the Fire to establish a communication network for the incident ground. This means having the necessary radio equipment on site, establishing radio coverage, specifying equipment/channels/call signs to be used by key personnel and resources.
4.22.2 Use of cell phones at fires
The Authority has no policy with respect to the use of cell phones at fires. This does not preclude
their use as a means of communication if
appropriate. Due to patchy coverage in rural
environments, radio communication is the preferred
means of communication.
4.22.3 Rural fire incident communications plan
The primary radio channel for the fire ground will be
“Channel 1” (Fire ground 1 on the NZFS UHF
hand-held radios). This is the default channel of the hand-held radios and for small fires it is likely to be the only working radio channel required.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
39
In the event of a large or complex fire a
comprehensive Communication Plan will be
developed. The NZFS Command unit may be
requested and may assist in this task.
Air Operations VHF
All air operators on arrival at the fire ground will call
the Operations Manager on the standard air
operations channel VHF channel Fire 4. Only air
operations traffic will use this channel when aircraft
are operating on the fire ground.
Air operators should be advised that the minimum frequencies required in their E.S.B. radios is as
follows:
VHF
Liaison Simplex frequency
140.9875 MHz NBFM
Fire 4/Air Ops Simplex frequency
140.6125 MHz NBFM
It would be desirable (in the priority order as set out) if they could also operate on:
VHF
Fire 3 Simplex frequency 140.9250 MHz NBFM
Fire 2 Simplex frequency 143.7875 MHz NBFM
Fire 1 Simplex frequency 143.8250 MHz NBFM
Additional communication equipment is available
from Auckland Council, through the DPRFO or the
Manager Rural Fire (Auckland) or the Auckland
Incident Support unit, both contactable via the
NZFS Comcens.
4.22.3.1. Great Barrier Island Communications
Due to the unique nature of Great Barrier
Island the specific communication plan for the
island is contained within the Great Barrier Island
Pre Determined Vegetation Fire Response Plan.
For further information on fireground communications for the District see ARFA 0031 Fireground communication plan.
4.23. Other relevant matters
4.23.1. Additional considerations for the “response phase”
4.23.1.1. Confirm the location of the fire
Confirm the location of the fire to the communication centre.
Confirm who the landowner is for the property.
40
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Confirm the current and potential fuel types.
4.23.1.2. Check fire log requirements
are being met
Maintain a log of events. Note all activities,
issues and decisions in a fire-log notebook
provided. The requirements and set out of this log will follow the agreed NRFA format.
4.23.1.3.Warning people of any evacuation requirements
Consideration needs to be given to any potential evacuation requirements of people in the path or
potential fire path. The NZFS or Police can
coordinate evacuations. It is better to consider
this and have an evacuation strategy in place
sooner rather than later.
NOTE: Under legislation the New Zealand Police have the statutory responsibility for evacuations. This does not mean they will have the manpower available to effectively management evacuations and the assistance of crews may be required.
4.23.1.4. Appropriate agency has assumed control
In liaison with the incident controller the PRFO or DPRFO may assume control of the incident or just work alongside to support the current incident controller.
4.23.1.5. Recording of incoming and outgoing of resources is being completed
The NRFA has available for use a range of Incident Management documents available to the Authority. The RF200 series is a good document for a smaller fire. At a large fire or multi agency incidents where an incident management team is established,
theappropriate NRFA Incident Management documents shall be used.
Copies of these documents are held by the PRFO, DPRFO’s and at all VRFFs within the Authority.
Stakeholders are required to carry out all
necessary recording of resource attendance
at incidents using the Daily time record (DTR)
and resource and supply forms available from
the NRFA. Stakeholders seeking to recover costs
will be required to submit full details in a formal
claim document with supporting invoices and
records within 30 days of the event.
For all fires meeting the following criteria an RF200, DTR’s and other relevant documentation must be completed
• fires over 2 hours in duration, or
• fires that may be subject to direct cost
recovery, or
• fires that may be a claim against the Rural
Fire Fighting Fund.
4.23.1.6. Fire behaviour is being documented
For the interest of suppression strategies or any fire behaviour modelling the more notes that can be written down at the time of the incident the better understanding the industry will gain. (This could be as brief: the fire went past this tree at 3.pm and ignited the barn at 4.15pm or the flame height was estimated to be 4 metres above the scrub canopy as it passed the
pine tree).
4.23.1.7. Logistical support is being addressed
The logistics team is responsible for providing
materials, services and resources-including
personnel-in support of the incident.
Consideration must be given to fulfilling this
position early if the fire is likely to be on-going.
Additional support may be available from
Auckland Council Civil Defence and Emergency
Management.
Contact can be made through the DPRFO.
4.23.1.8. Mop up patrols have been arranged
Consider who is going to take over should this be
required. Organise this early as they can be
rested if they are currently on the fire ground.
Mopping up and patrol procedures
used at elevated fire danger of High or
above or in heavy fuel environments.
The use ofthermal imaging in the vegetation environment is most effective if conducted at daybreak, before the heating effects from the sun warm the surrounding fuel
˚ fire equipment is to be collected
in a manner that will enable it to be
effectively used again unless the equipment is required to remain in situ as a precautionary mop up patrol measure.
˚ consideration is to be given to frequent
inspections until heavy or continual rain
has fallen.
4.23.1.9. Appropriate statistics of the fire are being collected
Ensure the appropriate statistics have
been collected to complete the organisations
reporting requirements. This includes the
completion of the NZFS ICAD reports within 7 days of the incident.
4.23.1.10.Site protection for fire investigation is being addressed
Consideration must be given to site
protection at the estimated point of origin for
investigation or potential cost recovery purposes,
this area should be taped off and the least
amount of suppression activity being done within
this area to minimise the spread of fire.
• In every fire situation complete mopping
up operations will be normal procedure. No
burnt over area will be treated as safe until a
personal inspection has been carried out by
the OIC Fire and or PRFO. They will be solely
responsible for giving a final clearance that
the fire is out.
• In mopping up operations the following must
be done:
˚ hot spots are to be systematically searched
out using cold-trailing and or thermal
imaging and burning spars are to be felled
by appropriate skilled personnel
˚ adequate and reliable patrols are to be undertaken
˚ thermal imaging equipment is to be used
in questionable situations. Available on
request from the DPRFO’s. These must be Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
41
4.23.1.11. National Rural Fire Authority has been notified
The need to notify the NRFA is a priority if this incident is developing signs of a rapidly escalating fire, or is likely to be a claim on the RFFF, or is likely to attract media attention or someone has been injured or a death has occurred as a result of the fire.
The Incident Controller will be responsible for initiating an adequate log of events.
Note books and stationary are included in the incident management equipment to be used as log books.
Incident Reporting Requirements
The table on page 42 lists and defines the fire
incident reporting requirements. To be carried out by the DPRFO.
The incident controller will ensure the following message format is followed
when providing siterep’s in regards to any vegetation fire.
Information Required for Verbal Reports
The information required for verbal reports to the Comcens includes:
1. Name of Fire Authority responsible
2. Name of incident controller
As well as paying due regard to the Action for Emergency checklist, an effort will be made to record all activities, issues, decisions and occurrence times.
Each CIMs functional manager must maintain a unit log, crew leaders will be encouraged to 6. Vegetation type(s) of affected and maintain individual logs, where practicable. This surrounding areas
will later assist in the corroboration of events and 7. Values at risk.
maximise the potential learning outcome of the de-brief process.
3. Name of incident (if relevant)
4. Suspected or known cause of fire
5. Size of fire at the time of call (i.e. area (Ha) burned)
This table outlines the incident reporting requirements.
Incident
Recipient(s)
Claims on the RFFF
Manager Rural Fire (NRFA) Verbal to Comcens, giving
a basic description of
the fire (refer to Verbal
Reports for required
information)
or
Commercial Forest
Plantation Fires greater
than 1 Hectare
Level 2 and 3 fires
or
Serious personal harm or
fatality
Reporting mechanism
Written report (refer to
Appendix 3 for template)
via fax or email
Manager Rural Fire (NRFA) Verbal to Comcens, giving
a basic description of the
fire (refer to Appendix 2
for required information)
Timeframe (from
commencement of
incident)
2 hours, if practical
Within 24 Hours, or
on discussion with
Manager Rural Fire
2 hours, if practical
NRFA Fire Situation Report 12 hourly, if practical
(RF201)
NRFA Incident Status
Summary (RF224) via fax
or email
42
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
12 hourly, if practical
4.23.1.12. Fire has been declared out
Declaring a fire out should only be done at a
point when the likelihood of re-ignition is
extremely low. The Officer in Charge shall
make a declaration in consultation with the
PRFO. Use of the term “fire or situation being
observed” is encouraged. This is to cover any
instance where there is the possibility of
re-ignition. This enables any such re-ignition
to be contained within the original incident for
administration purposes. It should be noted that if a re-ignition occurs following a fire declared out, it might not be possible for the Authority
to make a claim for costs for suppression to
the NRFA.
The Authority will retain an administration fee of
3.75% of the deployment reimbursement before
finalising payment to those who deployed.
4.24.2. Support for Neighbouring Fire Authorities
The Authority support the building of key
relationships with their neighbouring Fire
Authorities and where circumstances allow will
make their resources available to support neighbouring Fire Authorities in their times of need.
The Authority may charge out their resources at the
approved NRFA Resource charge out rate.
4.24.3. Incident Management Teams
The Authority fully supports NRFA NIMTs and has provided representatives for the teams.
4.23.1.13.Fire weather
The Incident Controller shall obtain fire weather
readings for the area of the fire as soon as
practicable. Observations of the weather
conditions on the fire ground should be recorded
at regular intervals throughout the duration
of the fire. Use of portable weather observation
technology should be undertaken when available.
Forecasted weather conditions should be made
available to all staff, and considered in the overall
planning of the suppression activities.
4.24. Support for Other Fire Authorities
4.24.1. Rural Response Teams
The Authority supports the NRFA Rural Response Team initiative and as such has a number of Crew Leaders registered with the NRFA capable of leading crews on national and international deployments. All deploying crews must comply fully with the NRFA Rural Response Team Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Operational Plan.
If the NRFA receives a request for assistance they will notify the relevant crew leaders and provide
the opportunity for them to register their interest in
the proposed deployment. The crew leaders must
get the support of their PRFO and ensure that they
can gather a crew with the correct attributes that is
capable of deploying within the prescribed limited
time frame and for the full duration of the deployment.
For National deployments, the Authority will charge
out their resources at the approved NRFA Resource
charge out rate.
For International deployments the Authority will charge out their resources at the rate predetermined
by discussions between the NRFA and the host country.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
43
5. Recovery
For the purpose of administration and implementation
of this Fire Plan, where the position of PRFO are
mentioned, the intention is to give the officers
appointed as DPRFOs the same powers as the PRFO
This section details under the heading “Recovery’’,
the policies and procedures that the Authority has
for activities it undertakes following a fire event in its
district.
5.1.Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation required because of damage caused by
the fire or the suppression effort shall be in accordance
with Section 55 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.
Any other rehabilitation requirements shall be the
responsibility of the landowner upon whose property
the fire occurred.
Explanation:
Under Section 55 of the Act damage caused to
property during the response phase by any officer,
servant, employee or member of a brigade or the
Authority or any other person whatsoever shall be
deemed to be damage caused by fire provided those
involved acted in good faith.
The council will cover the cost of the first three visits,
but this may be extended, under special circumstances,
through EAP Services Ltd.
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 2003
provides control measures that can be implemented.
These will be consistent with the various policies of the
Authority.
5.3. Operational debriefs
Debriefs should be viewed as an opportunity to selfexamine the operational process of notifications,
turnouts, and fire-fighting activities, with the aim of
making improvements from lessons learnt.
Debriefs will be convened for the following fire
situations:
• at the discretion of the PRFO
Any damage caused to property under this section will
be claimable by the owner of the property on his/her
insurance policy.
• for any fire that the Authority is wanting to make
a claim on the RFFF
Costs incurred in any rehabilitation process will be
recoverable from either the person responsible for the
fire or the property owner. Every effort should be made
to remove any litter, plastic containers etc associated
with the fire suppression effort.
• for any fire where serious injury has occurred
Best practice methods should always be adopted to
avoid unnecessary damage to property during fire
suppression operations. Any damage caused during fire
suppression operations will be addressed in accordance
with section 55 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.
5.2. Critical incident stress management
This needs to be requested or offered if any situation
faced by members of the Authority’s personnel causes
them or is likely that they may experience unusual
emotional reactions that could interfere with their
ability to perform safely at the scene or have an effect
on their normal life after the event.
The nearest critical incident stress management team
should be contacted if any personnel exhibit signs of
stress or requires support. This support is anonymous
44
to the Fire Authority and available direct through EAP
which is a 24-hour service. To make an appointment
with a trained counsellor in your area by telephoning
on 0800 327 669. You will be offered one of three
choices for consultation - either a face-to-face visit,
over the telephone or through email, whichever suits
you best.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
• for any medium to large fire involving
multi-agencies
• for any large fires with suppression costs in excess
of $20,000.
All debriefs should occur within thirty days from
the date a fire has been declared out. A record of all
debriefs shall be kept by the Authority.
Obligations identified from the debrief to make
changes/improvements shall be attended to by the
PRFO or there nominee. It should be remembered
that this is not a ‘witch-hunt’ but an opportunity to
evaluate the effectiveness of fire control systems, fire
suppression, co-operation and co-ordination.
The operational debrief should be conducted in four
parts:
Circumstances
• Date/Time
• Location
• Fuel Type
• Weather
• Topography
• Values at risk
• Organisations involved
• Area burnt
• Estimated Suppression Costs
• How fire started
• Call out procedures
• Duration of each stage.
Operational
• Incident Controllers’ report
• Sequence of Events
• Objectives
• Initial Attack, Structure
• Aerial Operations Report
• Planning report
• Logistics Report
• Communications Report
• Mop Up/Patrol
• Relief Crews
• Catering
• First Aid
• Traffic
• Equipment – Adequate/Suitable
Assessment
• Pre-planning - effectiveness
• Inter Agency Co-operation
• Techniques used
• Command/Control (CIMS)
• Safety
Recommendations
One person shall be nominated to ensure an outcome
and report back for each recommendation. This should
be recorded and signed off on completion. The PRFO
should reinforce this during the debrief summation.
5.4. Other recovery activities that occur after a fire has been contained
5.4.1. Cost recovery
Where the investigation of a fire clearly identifies a
person or persons responsible for causing the
fire, the Authority shall seek to recover the cost of
suppression from that person or persons in
accordance with the provisions of the Forest and
Rural Fires Act 1977 and the Forest and Rural Fire
Regulations 2005.
5.4.2. Charging for service
When appropriate personnel costs for rural fire management and suppression services provided to other RFA organisations will be recovered at the current contract rates agreed to by the PRFO.
The costs for plant and equipment provided to other RFA organisations will be recovered at the current NRFA charge out rates.
5.4.3. Offences
When an offence has been committed in accordance
with Section 61 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act
1977 the Authority will consider a prosecution
under this section of the Act.
For a first offence the PRFO may, depending on the
severity of the offence give written warning to the
person or persons committing the offence. If at the
time of the first offence or any subsequent offence
the PRFO considers prosecution appropriate the
Authority will implement prosecution action against
the person or persons responsible in accordance
with Section 61 of the Act.
The debrief process should not be hurried and every
attendee must be allowed the opportunity to voice his/
her opinion.
The PRFO may chair all debriefs but has the discretion
to bring in outside qualified persons.
5.3.1. Operational reviews
The Authority supports the Operational Review process as adopted by the NRFA.
5.3.2. Fire investigation
Fire investigation will be undertaken at the request of the PRFO to determine the cause of all large or suspicious fires.
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
45
6. Maps, Definitions and Approval
6.1.
Auckland Rural Fire District Boundary
´
Kaipara Rural Fire District
INSET: Great Barrier Island
Scale 1:500 000
Auckland Rural Fire District
Hauraki Rural
Fire District
Waikato Rural Fire District
This map/plan is illustrative only and all information
should be independently verified on site before taking
any action.Copyright Auckland Council. Land Parcel
Boundary information from LINZ (Crown Copyright Reserved).
Whilst due care has been taken, Auckland Council gives
no warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any
information on this map/plan and accepts no liability for
any error, omission or use of the information.
Height datum: Auckland 1946.
Date: 09 September 2014
Ref Number: C161033
Auckland Rural Fire District
Zone 1 - Mainland
Zone 2 - Conservation Islands
Zone 3 - Populated Islands
0
3
Published Name:RuralZones.pdf
46
Rural Zones
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
6
12
18
24
30 Km
Urban Fire District
6.2. Definitions and interpretation
‘The Act’ means the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977
together with any amendments thereto and any Acts
passed in substitution therefore.
‘The Regulations’ means the Forest and Rural Fire
Regulations 1979 with any amendments thereto and
any regulations passed in substitution therefore.
Conservation area has the same meaning as in the
Conservation Act 1987, (and includes land being
managed under Section 61 or Section 62 of that Act;
but does not include any marginal strip as defined in
Section 2(1) of the Act.
District means, as the case may require:
(a) A territorial area; or
(b) A rural fire district; or
(c) A State area; or
(d)
An area in respect of which the NZFS Commission has entered into an agreement or
arrangement with a Fire Authority pursuant to Sections 9(a) and 14(2) of this Act, but only
to the extent of that agreement or arrangement; or
(e)
An area in respect of which a local Authority
exercises the functions of a Fire Authority pursuant to Section 9(b) of this Act, but only to the extent approved under that section by the NZFS Commission.
Fire authority means:
(a) In relation to a rural fire district, the rural fire
committee in which the administration of the
district is vested or, as the case may be, the
Minister of Conservation, the Minister of
Defence;
Provided that the powers and duties of that party as
a Fire Authority shall extend only as far as is
provided by that agreement or arrangement.
(f)
In relation to any land or other property in respect of which a local Authority exercises the functions of a Fire Authority pursuant to Section 9(b) of this Act, that local Authority to the extent approved under that section by the NZFS Commission.
Fire operational review means an independent
assessment of a significant fire in a Fire Authority’s
district carried out under the procedure developed by
the NRFA under section 14A of the Fire Service Act
1975.
Fire break means a natural or artificial physical barrier
against the spread of fire from or into any area of
continuous flammable material.
Fire control in relation to forest, rural and other areas
of vegetation, means:
(a) The prevention, detection, control, restriction, suppression, and extinguishment of fire; and
(b) The safeguarding of life and property from damage and risk of damage by or in relation to fire; and
(c)
All measures conducive to or intended to further or effect such prevention, detection,
control, restriction, suppression,
extinguishment, or safeguarding; and ‘fire
control measure’ has corresponding meaning.
Fire officer or rural fire officer means a person
appointed as a Rural Fire Officer by or pursuant to
Section 13 of this Act.
Fire permit conditions / Special condition
As the issuer of a permit you are entitled to place
(b) In relation to a (territorial) area, the (territorial conditions on permits. These conditions should reflect
Authority), having jurisdiction in respect of that the current weather conditions, size of fire, topography,
fuel type, neighbouring fuels available, proximity of
area;
neighbouring property and resources (both equipment
(c) In relation to any State area, the Minister of and personnel) that should be on-site.
Conservation;
To this end you can dictate:
(d) In relation to the fire safety margin of any State area, the Minster of Conservation to the • firebreaks around fire site (width and surface
condition, e.g. grassland, bare earth, rivers, roads etc)
extent provided by Section 14(5) of this Act;
to protect neighbouring property
(e) In relation to any land or other property subject • size of proposed fire site, e.g. land clearing operations
to any agreement or arrangement made may require the blocks to be broken into smaller
pursuant to subsection (1) of subsection (2) of
blocks by using firebreaks
Section 14 of this act, the party thereby appointed to act:
• lightup procedures, e.g. if broken into smaller blocks
indicate the order to light up
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
47
• wind direction is used to protect adjacent property,
to achieve the best possible result and to protect
neighbours from smoke nuisance. Also to protect
road traffic from smoke hazard
• wind speed is used to ensure the fire does not travel
too fast (thereby not giving a clean burn) and to
prevent ember transfer (i.e. spot fires)
• resources to be on site, e.g. it is normal to specify the
amount of personnel (normally a minimum of two
for the smallest of burns, but upwards to whatever
number you consider adequate to deal with a
breakout) and equipment (normally a tractor with
spray unit, but upwards to bulldozer, excavator and/
or helicopter).
Fire permit issue guidelines during a Restricted Fire
Season fire permits will be issued to ensure the safe
use of fire as a land management tool.
Fire weather readings from the ARFD RAWS will be
used to judge the fire danger rating and the level of
permit issue control.
As a general guide the following should be followed:
Low and Moderate
• inspect all land clearing fire sites
• fire permits may be issued without an inspection
at the discretion of the Fire officer concerned but
a copy of the permit must be in the hands of the
permit holder before light up.
High/Very High
• land clearing fire permits cancelled at discretion of
Principal Rural Fire Officer
• definition of smoke nuisance - “any discharge to
the atmosphere that is dangerous, offensive or
objectionable at or beyond the property boundary”.
Fire plan means a statement compiled and issued by a
Fire Authority defining policy, chain of command, and
procedure, in relation to fire control by that Authority.
Fire safety margin means any land (not being the
whole or part of a defence area within the meaning of
the Defence Act 1971) that:
(a) In relation to a State area, is situated outside that area but within (1 kilometre), (or such
lesser distance as may be approved by the
Minister of Conservation and by any other Fire
Authority that is responsible for that area, and
notified in the Gazette) of the boundary thereof
(b)
In relation to a forest area, is situated outside that area but within such distance (not
exceeding (1 kilometre) of the boundary
thereof as is approved by the Fire Authority of that area
(c)
(In relation to a New Zealand Forestry Corporation Rural Fire district is situated outside that area but within 1 kilometre of the boundary thereof).
Local authority means any (territorial Authority
within the meaning of the Local Government Act
2002).
• all land clearing fires must be inspected and carefully
controlled.
NRFA means the National Rural Fire Authority
constituted under Section 14(1) of the Fire Service Act
1975)
Declines all permit issue, except special circumstances,
which are to be inspected and carefully controlled.
Open air In relation to fires, means otherwise than
within:
Fire permit special notes
(a)
• The issuing of a fire permit is not a consent to
discharge contaminants into the environment. The
controlling Authority is the Regulatory Department
of the Auckland Council
• applications for consents to burn to discharge
contaminants into the air should be made to the
regulatory department of council. This is for fires
that are likely to cause excessive smoke or any other
deleterious discharge. This is especially applicable to
fires in urban areas (where a smoke nuisance may
upset neighbours) and to some large land clearing
operations close to urban areas
48
• applicants should be referred to the Department of
Conservation, (Auckland Office)
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
A fireplace (including any enclosed fireproof place or incinerator for combustion by fire)
constructed and maintained in dwelling or
other structure or in any other place to the approval of the public or local Authority having jurisdiction to issue the relevant permit to build such dwelling or structure or to authorise the construction or installation of the fire place; or
(b) An incinerator operated by or with the written approval of the Board, Director-General
of Conservation in the case of a National Park
or the relevant Maritime Park Boards or, where a public reserve is vested in the Crown and no administering body of that reserve has been appointed, of the Director-General of
Conservation or of a Fire Officer having jurisdiction to issue permits to light fires within the relevant district within which the national or Maritime Park or public reserve is situated; or
No permits will be issued for “Open Air” fires other
than as provided by Sections 22,23 and 24 of the
Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 during a Prohibited Fire
Season. A prohibited fire season, (duly advertised) will
suspend all previously issued permits.
for all “Open Air” fires. The PRFO, with the assistance
of RFO, be responsible for issuing permits in their
respective zones. Three working days notice is required
for these permits.
Publicity - any changes in fire seasons will be
advertised in the, Eastern Courier and the Pohutukawa
Coast Times prior to the changes coming into force.
Radio announcements will also be made as and when
required.
Post fire investigation means an investigation by a
Fire Authority to determine the point of origin and
cause of a fire.
Principal rural fire officer
(a) In relation to any State area for which Principal Rural Fire Officer is appointed by the Minister
(c) Any barbecue, whether fixed or portable,
of Conservation or any other district for which
a Principal Rural Fire Officer is appointed by
i. Which is of a type or construction
the Fire Authority, means that officer, or where
prescribed by regulations under this Act or authorised, specifically or generally, by he is absent or unavailable or unable to act, the
the Fire Officer or Chief Fire Officer within person acting as Principal Fire Officer pursuant
to the Fire Plan for that area or district;
whose jurisdiction the barbecue is to be used; and
(b)In relation to any district (other than a State area) for which there is only one Fire Officer, ii. Which is used in any area so prescribe or means that officer or, where he is absent or
authorised.
unavailable or unable to act, the person acting
Such other receptacle or place as may from time
as Principal Fire officer pursuant to the Fire Plan
to time be authorised by the Fire Authority for the
for that district;
relevant district or be prescribed.
(c)In relation to any State area for which no Operational debrief means the internal assessment
Principal Rural Fire officer has been appointed by a Fire Authority of a fire in its district carried out
by the Minister of Conservation, means any
under the procedure developed by the NRFA under
Forestry Officer or employee of the section 14A of the Fire Service Act 1975.
Department of Conservation appointed under Open season or open fire season means a period of
the Conservation Act 1986.
time, whether or fixed or indefinite duration during
Prohibited season or prohibited fire season
which period the lighting of fires in the open air is
means a period of time, whether of fixed for indefinite
neither prohibited nor restricted under this Act.
duration, specified pursuant to this Act, during which
Permitin relation to the lighting of fires in the open
period the lighting of fires in the open air is prohibited
air, means a fire control measure in accordance
under this Act.
with which a person may light such fires without
Property includes real and personal property, and any
committing an offence against Section 23(1) of this
estate or interest in any real or personal property, and
Act; and includes a special permit issued pursuant to
any debt, and anything in action, and any other right
Section 24 of this Act.
or interest; and, without limiting the generality of
Permits the PRFO will declare Open, Restricted or
the foregoing words, shall be deemed to include any
Prohibited Fire Seasons in accordance with section
public work (as defined by the Public Works Act 1981)
22,23,24 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.
situated within a district and in particular any stopbank
so situated.
During Restricted Fire Seasons a permit is required
The PRFO is to be kept informed of all permits issued.
In the case of any large controlled burn, the PRFO is to
be informed before burning commences, together with
the approximate “light up” time.
Restricted season or restricted fire season
Means a period of time, whether of fixed or indefinite
duration, specified pursuant to this Act, during which
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
49
period permits or authorities are required by this Act
for the lighting of fires in the open air.
Signs “Fire By Permit” signs will be erected during a
restricted fire season and “Total Fire Ban” signs will be
erected during a prohibited fire season.
State area means:
(a) Any conservation area; and
(b) Any national Park within the meaning of the National Parks Act 1980; and
(c) Any lands of the Crown within the meaning of Section 176 of the Land Act 1948; and
(d) All land administered as Maritime Parks; and
(e)
Any other area or class of land (whether or not
vested in or administered by the Crown)
declared by Order in Council to be a State area
for the purposes of this Act; and
Territorial area means all land that is not included in:
(a)A rural fire district; or
(b)A Fire district within the meaning of the Fire Service Act 1975; or
(c)A State area; or
(d)In relation to fire control measures pursuant to Section 14(5) of this act, the fire safety margin of a State area.
Vegetation includes:
(a)All plants and the produce thereof, live or dead,
standing, fallen, windblown, cut, broken, pulverised, sawn, or harvested, natural or disturbed, in use or as waste, rubbish, refuse or debris, stump, stubble, or otherwise; and
(b)Fossil fuel exposed at or lying within 20 metres of the surface of any land; and
(f) As to fire control measures pursuant to Section (c)Peat in any form.
14(5) of this Act, the fire safety margin of every But does not include wood forming part of a structure
State area.
or otherwise in processed form.
But does not include:
(g) Any area included in a Rural fire district; or
(h)
Any conservation area for the time being expressly excluded from any State area by notice published in the Gazette by the Director
General of Conservation; or
Any Fire district within the meaning of the Fire Service Act 1975 except to the extent that the boundaries of the fire district encroach on the fire safety margin of any state area; or
(i)
(j) Any land reserved from sale or other disposition
under Section 58(1) of the Land Act 1948.
50
Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
Fire plan approval
This Fire Plan is to be reported to the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee for endorsement.
In accordance with the Forest and Rural Fires Act the Auckland Council is the Rural Fire Authority for the District
comprising all lands, excluding the NZ Fire Service (NZFS) urban fire district, within the Auckland Council
(AC) Region and includes the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf and those lands administered by the Department of
Conservation (DOC) plus the Kermadec Island group. (As per the Gazette 6/9/2012,No 110,P3160).
This Fire Plan has been prepared and presented in the format as set out in the Forest and Rural Fires
Regulations 2005.
This plan follows the Emergency Management principles of:
• Reduction
• Readiness
• Response
• Recovery
Signed
Date
Chief Executive Officer
Auckland Council
Signed
Date
Principal Rural Fire Officer
Auckland Rural Fire District
Auckland Council Auckland Rural Fire Authority - Fire Plan 2014
51
Find out more: phone 09 301 0101
or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz