Fire restrictions return to Western Bay

Another dose of hot, dry weather has forced the Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority to once again place a suspension on all open air fire permits.

Principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce said despite some overnight rain the current conditions have made it too dangerous to light open air fires.

"The Drought Code index has increased rapidly over the last six days and it has reached a point where burning is unsafe.''

The authority was now actively considering imposing a total fire ban, as part of its safety strategy, if conditions do not improve within the week.

"We need a good quantity of rain to alleviate the fire danger."

From today, open air fire permits are suspended in the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City.

Mr Pearce was also asking current permit holders to refrain from open air burning when possible.

Mr Pearce said he wanted to remind people that any fire is the responsibility of the person causing it, and they can be liable for the often very costly efforts to suppress uncontrolled wild fire.

There is no significant rain forecast for the Bay of Plenty during the next few days.

Mr Pearce said he was happy to discuss matters relating to open air fires and can be contacted on 07 571 8008.

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