Fire danger remains

Tropical cyclone Victor may have provided some short term relief from the El Nino dry spell but risks to the Bay area are still high.

Despite the rain of the last few days fire restrictions remain in force throughout Hawke's Bay.

While tropical cyclone Victor has provided some short term relief from the El Nino dry spell that the Bay has been experiencing, the risks are still high, says Eastern Regional Rural Fire Committee chairman Trevor Mitchell.

"The Hawke's Bay Regional Council climate sites recorded from almost 190mm at Mahia to as little as 7mm at Te Haroto. Generally most of the region got at least 30 to 40mm.

"However, this will provide little respite as the summer grasses are already cured and there is a large amount of standing dead grass throughout much of the region. This can dry and burn in a matter of hours with hot, dry winds. Scrub areas and forests remain very dry."

Mr Mitchell is urging people to remain vigilant and to report unattended or hazardous fires by dialling 111 immediately.

"People should check with their fire authorities before lighting any fires as restrictions and total fire bans remain in force throughout Hawke's Bay."

In Hastings and Napier that means outdoor fires cannot be lit without a permit, apart from food cooking fires such as pizza ovens and barbecues in the urban areas.