Fireco’s Guide to Rural Fire Safety
Living rurally in Northland has its perks, but rural and agricultural living also brings higher fire risks compared to urban areas. Fires can go undetected for longer, emergency services may take more time to arrive, and water supply can be limited, especially during summer and drought seasons.
At Fireco, we’re committed to helping Northland homeowners and farmers reduce these risks. By putting the right fire safety measures in place, you can better protect your family, property, and livelihood.
Here are our top rural and agricultural fire safety tips for Northland property owners:
1. Smoke Alarms – Your First Line of Defences
Early fire detection is crucial. Install smoke alarms in all key areas of your home and test them regularly. Fireco recommends photoelectric smoke alarms for Northland properties, as they’re more reliable at detecting smouldering fires and less prone to false alarms. Many models come with 10-year long-life batteries, meaning less maintenance and more peace of mind.
2. Escape Plan – Practice Makes Perfect
Every household needs an escape plan. For rural Northland properties, it’s even more important as emergency services may take longer to arrive. Make sure your plan covers both evacuating the house and leaving the property safely. Practice it regularly with family, workers, or anyone living onsite. Check out FENZ’s tips on creating an emergency escape plan here.
3. Clear Access for Emergency Services
In a fire, time matters. Keep your RAPID (Rural Address Property Identification) number clearly visible from the road so fire crews can find you quickly.
- Ideally, driveways should be at 4 metres wide and high for fire truck access.
- Keep water sources accessible.
- Have a garden hose long enough
4. Fire-Safe Landscaping
Your garden choices can make a difference in slowing fire spread. Use fire-resistant plants like deciduous trees and shrubs, and maintain a clear, green buffer around your home. Keep grass mown, trim back trees and bushes, and create firebreaks where possible too.
5. Rural Home Maintenance
A tidy property is a safer property.
- Clean gutters regularly to remove dry leaves and debris.
- Store firewood, fuel, and other flammable items well away from buildings.
- Keep boundary lines clear to prevent fire from spreading across your land.
6. Fire Extinguishers – Ready When You Need Them
Place dry powder fire extinguishers near workshops, sheds, and fuel storage areas – they’re suitable for most fire types so they’re a good pick for rural properties. Book regular servicing with Fireco so they’re always ready to use. The right extinguisher can stop a small fire from becoming a disaster.
7. Machinery & Agricultural Fire Safety
Farm machinery is one of the most common causes of rural fires. To reduce risk:
- Check and maintain equipment regularly.
- Clear out built-up dirt and debris before use.
- Avoid using machinery during extreme fire danger periods.
- Wet down dry areas before mowing, grinding, or using equipment in summer.
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry long grass too.
8. Safe Burning Practices
Many Northland wildfires start from escaped controlled burns. If you’re burning off vegetation or using fire for land management:
- Always check Northland’s current fire season status.
- Apply for a fire permit when required.
- Never leave a burn unattended.
- Only burn in safe weather and wind conditions.
9. Discourage Arson & Trespassing
Unfortunately, arson is a leading cause of wildfires in New Zealand. Help protect your property by:
- Installing locked gates or barriers.
- Limiting vehicle access to rural tracks and paddocks.
- Reporting suspicious activity to Police or Fire and Emergency NZ.
10. How to Respond to a Fire
If a fire breaks out:
- Call 111 immediately.
- Give clear details – your RAPID number, what’s burning, and wind direction.
- Only fight the fire if it’s safe to do so.
- Alert neighbours who may be at risk.
- Prepare to guide fire crews to water sources on your property.
Protect Your Northland Property with Fireco
Rural homes and farms face unique fire risks, but with preparation and the right equipment, you can dramatically reduce the danger. Fireco supplies and services smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment across Northland.
Every proactive step you take makes your home, family, and land safer. Contact Fireco today for expert advice on rural and agricultural fire safety in Northland.
