Total fire ban lifted with warning to take care

The total fire ban has been lifted across the Far North.

The total fire ban which has been in force across the Far North is due to be lifted today - but anyone who wants to light a fire will still need to get a permit first.

Fire restrictions were imposed in the Far North on December 8 and raised to a total ban on February 1.

Northern deputy principal rural fire officer Clinton Lyall said the fire danger was still high but wind speeds were low, humidity was high, and the current peak in temperatures was unlikely to last. However, permits would still be required until further notice.

Issuing permits allowed the Northern Rural Fire Authority to assess the property and explain any risks, for example due to wind speed and direction.

Although it was outside the authority's area, a major fire which swept through more than 200ha and threatened homes on the Pouto Peninsula in the Kaipara showed the fire danger was still high.

"We have a lot of areas that are similar to Pouto and we too could be facing a large fire if we don't remain vigilant."

Mr Lyall said the authority had been very pleased with Far Northerners' behaviour this season.

"We get a lot of queries now and we're happy that people are trying to do the right thing. As a result we'll be as flexible and helpful as we can, as we recognise that a lot of people rely on fire as a land management tool," he said. Permits are also required in the Whangarei and Kaipara districts. Fire restrictions apply all year round in the fire-prone Karikari and Aupouri peninsulas.

-Call (09) 401 0723 (Far North) or (09) 430 7707 (Whangarei/Kaipara) for more information.