This NRFA Circular is to advise Rural Fire Authorities (RFA’s) of the National Standard - Rural Fire Signs that the NRFA has approved under the requirement of the Forest and Rural Fire Regulations 2005.

This listing of National Standard – Rural Fire Signs provides for a base template for the main message, with scope for some localized information to be added to the sign (ie the Rural Fire Authority name and contact). This approach will enhance uniformity throughout the country, particularly with the use of the restricted or prohibited fire season signs to advise the general public.

The National Rural Fire Advisory Committee has endorsed these National Standard - Rural Fire Signs.

The signs are listed in three categories:

1.      NRFA approved National Standard Signs for Regulations 52(3) and 53(3)

2.      Transit NZ Approved National Standard – Rural Fire Signs

3.      NRFA approved other National Standard – Rural Fire Signs

1.         NRFA approved National Standard Signs for Regulations 52(3) and 53(3)

Regulation 52  Fire Authority must erect signs during restricted fire season

(1)            Subclause (2) applies if there is a restricted fire season in force-

(a)               in a Fire Authority’s district; or

(b)               in a specified part or parts of a Fire Authority’s district.

(2) The Fire Authority must erect sufficient signs in the district or part of the district advising the public that during the restricted season a permit is required to light a fire in the open air in the district or part of the district.

(3)               However, before erecting any sign the under subclause (2), the NRFA must give its written approval of the sign’s design.

NRFA Approved signs for Restricted Fire Season are:

Reference            Wording

RFS01             FIRE BY PERMIT ONLY (portrait)

RFS02             FIRE BY PERMIT ONLY (landscape)

Regulation 53  Fire Authority must erect signs during prohibited fire season

(1)            Subclause (2) applies if there is a prohibited fire season in force-

(a)   in a Fire Authority’s district; or

(b)   in a specified part or parts of a Fire Authority’s district.

(2) The Fire Authority must erect sufficient signs in the district or part of the district advising the public that during the prohibited season no open fire may be lit in the district or part of the district.

(3) However, before erecting any sign the under subclause (2), the NRFA must give its written approval of the sign’s design.

NRFA Approved sign for Prohibited Fire Season is:

Reference            Wording

RFS06             TOTAL FIRE BAN (triangle)

2.            Transit NZ Approved National Standard – Rural Fire Signs

Transit New Zealand have approved selected National Standard - Rural Fire Signs for use under the three categories as listed below:

A. National Standard Signs approved by Transit NZ that can be positioned within the state highway land corridor as “fixed roadside signs” are:

RFS01 FIRE BY PERMIT ONLY (portrait)

RFS02 FIRE BY PERMIT ONLY (landscape)

RFS06 TOTAL FIRE BAN (triangle)

RFS20 FIRE DANGER TODAY (half grapefruit sign)

Note: The Regional Office of Transit NZ must approve the location before positioning these fixed roadside signs.

B. National Standard Signs approved by Transit NZ for use as “temporary on road use” are:

RFS03 ! (explanation mark on diamond shape)

RFS04 SMOKE HAZARD (previously numbered S10)

RFS05 FIRE – ACCIDENT – EMERGENCY (set of 3 signs) (previously numbered S23)

C. National Standard Signs approved by Transit NZ as “temporary roadside use” are:

RFS11 FIRE (with arrow) - double sided direction to fire

RFS34 INCIDENT CONTROL POINT (large size) (previously numbered S16)

RFS36 STAGING AREA (large size) (previously numbered S15)

(reference: Transit NZ letter of 2 January 1999)

3.         NRFA approved other National Standard – Rural Fire Signs

Please note that these signs do not have Transit NZ approval for placement within state highway land corridors (eg on a post between the land boundaries and the road edge). It is permissible to have these signs and the likes of private road name signs on the boundary (eg the fence line).

Reference            Wording

RFS07             NO ENTRY – EXTREME FIRE DANGER

RFS08             RESTRICTED FIRE AREA – FIRES ONLY IN FIREPLACES PROVIDED

RFS08A            symbol – (no fires)

RFS12             WATER SUPPLY (double sided directions to water supply)

RFS13             symbol of aircraft (double sided directions to airstrip)

RFS14             symbol of helicopter (double sided directions to helipad)

RFS17             FIRE DEPOT

RFS18             FIRE STATION

RFS21             CLASS A FOAM (self adhesive label for concentrate containers)

RFS22             FIRE RETARDANT (self adhesive label for concentrate containers)

RFS30             INCIDENT CONTROLLER (small size)

RFS31             PLANNING/INTELL (small size)

RFS32             LOGISTICS (small size)

RFS33             OPERATIONS (small size)

RFS35             ASSEMBLY AREA (large size)

RFS37             SAFE FORWARD POINT (large size)

When the need for further signs is identified then the NRFA can consider this on a national perspective and add to the listing as necessary.

For a colour copy (on pdf file) of each sign go to the NRFA website:

Murray Dudfield

National Rural Fire Officer