Fire permits suspension lifted

The Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority is once again issuing fire permits, as significant rainfall lowers the fire danger in the Western Bay and Tauranga City.

Principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce said that starting today he will be issuing permits for open air fires on a restricted basis.

Intermittent rain, followed by long dry patches of weather, has forced the authority to suspend permits numerous times this summer, the latest suspension just last week.

But Mr Pearce was hopeful the region's fire risk will now continue to fall.

"More rain is predicted in the long range forecasts up to the end of February, and hopefully this will continue to lower the fire risk.

"However, we still need plenty of rain to alleviate the fire danger and people burning open air fires should be particularly mindful of the conditions imposed on the permit."

The authority will continue monitoring the conditions as autumn approaches.

Mr Pearce urged people to err on the side of caution if conditions are not ideal.

Mr Pearce was happy to discuss these issues with residents, and can be contacted on 07 571 8008.

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