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Fireworks and pyrotechnic displays at school#
Fireworks always come with the risk of starting a fire. Fireworks of any kind are not allowed on school grounds. This includes firework displays.
Pyrotechnics such as explosions, flashes and smoke can be used as special effects in school productions. You must get permission from FENZ and us.
To get permission to use pyrotechnics at school, follow the steps below.
Fill in the indoor or outdoor 'pyrotechnic display written agreement and notification' form on the FENZ website.
Fireworks and pyrotechnic displays – Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Send a copy of the completed form to your regional office.
Tell the company that monitors your smoke alarms about the pyrotechnics and when it will happen.
Use an approved handler from the EPA to control the pyrotechnics.
Outdoor fires at school#
You should always check whether you need a permit to light a fire. This depends on what fire season your area is in.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has information about fire seasons and restrictions.
Fire seasons, fire danger and permits – Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Your local council may have bylaws about fire bylaws or restrictions in your area. FENZ has more information about this.
Councils and community responsibilities – Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Before you light a fire, you should check:
- wind strength and direction
- ground conditions
- whether there are contaminants in the fire.
FENZ has guidance on how to check if it is safe to light a fire.
Fire prevention and fire safety – Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire safety for school sleepovers#
School or community groups may wish to use the school hall or classroom for a sleepover. Your school board must have a formal written agreement with anyone staying overnight. The casual use agreement for this is below.
Leasing school property to casual users
This agreement must include compliance with the fire safety requirements under the New Zealand Building Code.
The building code – New Zealand Legislation
Our fire policy and Designing Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand standards also has standards that must be met.
Designing Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand standards
The space used for a sleepover must be on the ground floor. It must not have more than 160 people.
The space must have:
- an automatic fire alarm system with smoke detectors (type 4)
- manual call points
- an alarm system connected to FENZ.
A ‘waking watch’ is not a substitution for automatic smoke detection.
Fire sprinkler systems#
If there are more than 40 people in a 'group sleeping area' (hall, classroom or other area used for sleeping), the area must be:
- equipped with an automatic sprinkler system
- 2 or more exits to provide means of escape.
If the group sleeping area does not have a sprinkler system, then the maximum number of people must be under 40.
The space must not include a kitchen. It may have tea and coffee making facilities.
Fire prevention and evacuation measures#
To prevent a fire, make sure that:
- mattresses and other items are away from heaters and heating vents
- power points are not overloaded with phone and other devices, lights, heating or cooking devices.
To make sure everyone can evacuate safely in an emergency, make sure that:
- each person has access to a wide and unobstructed pathway to all exits
- all emergency exits are clear and well lit
- everyone is told where the exits are and where to meet if there's a fire
- there are torches on hand.
Your school must have an evacuation scheme in place if more than 5 people are sleeping at the school.
School fire evacuation and fire alarm or sprinkler system shutdowns - Ministry of Education
You should also ask your local FENZ fire risk management officer for specific advice on what your school can do to make sleepovers safe.
Reduce the risk of arson#
FENZ has guidance on how to reduce the risk of deliberately lit fires at your school.
Protecting your school from arson – Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mōhiohio anō
More information
FENZ has curriculum-based fire safety programmes and resources for teachers and schools.
