This guide and accompanying template (see below) were developed to help landowners assess wildfire risk on rural properties and to support the preparation of a wildfire risk management plan.  It is particularly useful for owners, neighbours, and managers of small forests, woodlots, farms, lifestyle blocks, reserves, restoration and rehabilitation plantings, and other rural land uses.

Wildfire Risk Management Plan Template

The objective of these updated guidelines is to support forest industry participants and partners in reducing the risk of wildfires within and affecting New Zealand’s plantation forests. The updated Guidelines reflect changes in wildfire risk, new information, and legislative developments since the guidelines were first published in 2018.

The Forest Owners Association (FOA) /Farm Forestry Association (FFA) Fire Committee established a 2022 project – Quantifying Forest Industry Investment in Fire Risk Management, referred to as the Fire Survey – to gain an understanding of the current annual costs to forest owners for plantation forest fire protection. 

These guidelines are aimed at all farmers, woodlots owners, and contractors.  Published December 2019.