Fire danger high

The fire danger throughout the Western Bay is now in the high to very high range.

Residents throughout Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty are being asked to apply extreme caution when lighting open air fires, as the region's hot, dry weather continues.

Western Bay Moana principal Rural Fire Officer Alan Pearce was concerned the current weather trend was causing rapid drying of vegetation and grasses across the Western Bay, including urban areas.

"It may be necessary to impose further fire restrictions in the absence of any reasonable rainfall in the next 5-7 days," he said.

In the meantime, Alan requested the public take further caution when lighting open air fires.

The best rule in the present circumstances was not to light any fire if there was doubt about control or safety, he said.

"The Rural Fire Authority will not look kindly on any person who, through carelessness or negligence, allows any fire to escape," Mr Pearce said.

"If you cannot control it, you should not light it and you will be held liable for the costs of extinguishing it and for any damage it causes to anyone else's property."

Fire permits are currently required in rural areas. Conditions are clearly set out on all permits issued.

The Fire Authority is happy to offer advice to anyone wishing to light fires and can be contacted by phoning 07 571 8008.