The 90 Rural Fire Authorities in New Zealand have responsibility for the fire suppression, prevention and protection of our forest and rural lands under the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 and as such, monitor the daily fire danger, declare fire seasons and issue fire permits.

Rural Fire Authorities are:

• The Department of Conservation for state areas.
• NZ Defence Force for most of its own lands.
• Rural Fire District Committees for specially Gazetted areas.
• Local Territorial Authorities for all areas that fall outside the above.

If in doubt, ring your Local Council or Department of Conservation.

Rural Fire Management Directory

The purpose of this publication is to provide quick and easy reference to the key fire management officers of Rural Fire Authorities, the New Zealand Fire Service and other fire related organisations.  (click here to view the latest version of the RFM Directory) 

• Department of Conservation
• Local Territorial Authorities
• Rural Fire Districts
• Rural Fire Districts - NZ Defence Force
• New Zealand Fire Service Commission
• National Rural Fire Authority (NRFA)
• National Rural Fire Advisory Committee
• Rural Fire Research Advisory Committee
• Regional Rural Fire Committees (RRFCs)
• Rural Fire Research Working Group
• Rural Fire Equipment Working Group
• Rural Fire Training Working Group
• New Zealand Fire Service - National Headquarters
• New Zealand Fire Service - Fire Regions
• New Zealand Fire Service - Communication Centres
• Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
• Rural Fire Research Programme
• Forest & Rural Fires Association of New Zealand
• FRSITO