Rural Fire Authority
How the rural fire system works
Fires in rural areas are the responsibility of the person(s) who light them. Fire supression of unconntrolled fires in rural areas however is the responsibility of the Rural Fire Authority. This is different from urban areas where the New Zealand Fire Service is the urban fire authority and is responsible for fire supression.
Rural Fire Authorities are primarily concerned with the control of vegetation fires. They're also responsible for fire prevention activities and as such monitor the daily fire danger, declare fire seasons and issue fire permits.
The work of these Rural Fire Authorities is co-ordinated by the National Rural Fire Authority which also promotes training, research and co-operations between Rural Fire Authorities. The Authority also sets national standards; monitors fire danger and administers the Rural Fire Fighting Fund.