Fire Following Earthquake is a complex subject, involving many sequential and situational components. Much of the research work carried out to date has focused on the development of analytical models which capture these components, and more recently creating linkages with GIS packages.

The aim of this specific study is to develop a comprehensive framework that will assist in the coordination of research on fire following earthquake in New Zealand. The project objective is to put fire following earthquake in context for the many organisations involved in managing this risk.

A multi-agency Project Focus Group was established by the Wellington Lifelines Group to provide input and overview for this project. Members of this group included representatives from the NZ Fire Service, local and national emergency management agencies, national utilities and research organisations.

Systematic application of the risk management steps defined in the Australian and New Zealand Risk Management Standard AS/NZS 4360 during this study highlighted a number of gaps in the consideration of the risk posed by fires following earthquake.

It is recommended that in the short term, further consideration be given to promoting low-cost risk reduction measures that can be directly undertaken, and such measures are discussed. In the medium term, it is recommended that a multi-agency strategy for addressing fire following earthquake must be developed at regional level.