Fire permits banned as risk levels reach 'extreme'

Firefighters tackle a scrub fire at Pukehina. Photo/file

The fire danger throughout the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga City has reached "extreme" levels - prompting a suspension of all new fire permits from today.

Western Bay Moana Rural Authority principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce said drying vegetation across the district, coupled with hot summer winds, meant the fire danger risk was now too high to warrant issuing further permits.

"I have completed an assessment of the fire conditions and looming weather, and in speaking with the New Zealand Fire Service feel this is the next appropriate step."

Anyone with a current approved fire permit can still burn until the expiry date of their permit, but is urged to check the conditions of their permit thoroughly.

"Don't light fires on slopes, or near vegetation such as shelterbelt hedges, and avoid lighting a fire in windy conditions," Mr Pearce said.

"Burning should be conducted in the calm, early morning hours and completed as soon as possible.

"Ensure that the fire-ground is cleared of all rank and dry vegetation before starting a fire."

Mr Pearce was not ruling out issuing a total fire ban in the near future if the prevalent dry conditions continue.

"We hope to start approving new fire permits as soon as the fire danger is lower, which means as soon as there has been significant rain."

To keep updated on fire permit conditions and for more information visit www.westernbay.govt.nz.