aerial image of the tranzalpine train next to the waimakariri river with mountains in teh background

With the temperatures rising and dry conditions on the horizon, KiwiRail, Selwyn District Council, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are stepping up their partnership to keep the district fire safe this summer.

The agencies are holding fortnightly meetings to work together on fire prevention over the summer period, a partnership which has come out of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and KiwiRail signed last year.

KiwiRail has also started its summer vegetation management plan in Selwyn, starting with high-risk areas along the Midland Line between Rolleston and Darfield.

Fire safety checks on locomotives are well underway, and strict rules are in place around any ‘hot works’ which could cause sparks.

The Council is actively maintaining reserves and high-risk intersections, while FENZ will continue to provide advice on planting low-flammability vegetation along rail corridors and alert KiwiRail to high fire risk days so it can adjust its work schedule.

“We’re pleased to be working closely with Selwyn District Council and FENZ to ensure our fire prevention measures are aligned and effective. This collaboration ensures we’re doing everything we can to protect people and the environment,” says KiwiRail's South Island Regional Infrastructure Manager Andrew Bruce.

Council Executive Director Infrastructure and Property Tim Mason says the partnership is a vital part of the district’s fire preparedness.

“We know it’s expected to be a hot, dry summer, so any steps we can take for fire prevention are important. These sorts of partnerships are a huge boost to that, by working together to be as prepared as we can be.”

The whole community is encouraged to play its part in fire prevention this summer, FENZ Canterbury Community Risk Manager Dean Harker says.

“We are asking everyone to prepare their properties now by keeping grass low, planting low flammability plants around your house to create a green fire break and storing firewood well away from your house. We have more information to help people stay safe at checkitsalright.nz.”

Last modified: 31 Oct 2025 10:10am