Firefighters push cigarette message

A cigarette which was not extinguished properly before being flicked away caused this smouldering fire near Dargaville.

Smokers are being warned not to toss unextinguished cigarettes away as Northland's dry weather means an increased risk for fires.

The call comes after a discarded cigarette - possibly thrown from a vehicle - caused a smouldering fire in Hoyle Rd, Dargaville, on Sunday. Dargaville Brigade deputy chief fire officer Michael Ross said although the fire was only small - about 30m by 50m - it was a reminder about what damage can be caused when a cigarette is thrown away without being properly extinguished.

"It [the fire] started at the property and caught down to the road side," he said.

Mr Ross said some of the blazes he had previously attended caused by a tossed cigarette were serious.

"We have seen some quite large fires start at the result of someone flicking their cigarette out the window," he said "people definitely should not do it."

The dry weather in Northland saw an increase in fire danger which prompted fire bosses to cancel all existing fire permits in the Far North.

A Fire Service spokesman said it was "very dry" in the Far North, particularly in the Karikari Peninsula, and the winds were not helping.

Fire restrictions have been in place in the Far North since October and in Whangarei and Kaipara since earlier this month, but fires have been allowed as long as the person responsible had a permit and followed strict conditions.

Mr Ross said he hoped the expected rain fall due in the next few days would help the dryness but said for it to make a difference there would need to be a large down pour.

"There would need to be a decent amount otherwise it (the dryness) just keeps going."

The Fire Service has vowed to recover the costs of fighting fires from people who breach fire restrictions, The main cost is helicopters, costing about $2000 an hour to operate.

For more visit havingafire.org.nz.