Natural hazards

Fire

Urban Fire

Every year Auckland has between 5000-6000 urban fires that require response from emergency services, and cause 10-15 fatalities. These a predominantly from house and industrial fires. See the links below to find out more about making your home fire safe.

Wildfire

In the Auckland region there is a small risk of wildfire in the forested areas to the west (Waitakere Ranges), south (Hunua Ranges), northwest (Woodhill Forest), north (Mahurangi Forest) and east (Gulf Islands).

Fires in these areas can result from agricultural burn-off getting out of control, arson, careless actions (e.g. camp fires in restricted areas), or natural causes such as lightning strikes. Weather plays a significant factor - the risk of fire increases in prolonged drought conditions. The ARC and the Rural Fire Authorities of the region are assessing the vulnerability to this hazard by undertaking a Regional Wildfire Threat Analysis.

Failure to control wildfires in these areas may result in:

• evacuation
• loss of residences
• loss of lives
• physical losses and economic damage to the horticultural, agricultural, and forestry industries.