By ANNE-MARIE EMERSON
TOTAL fire bans are now in place throughout Wanganui and Rangitikei, the driest areas in New Zealand.
Wanganui's fire ban came into force at midnight on Saturday, while the ban will be imposed in Rangitikei at midnight tonight.
The fire risk in both regions is listed as "extreme".
In South Taranaki, fire conditions were being reviewed on a daily basis. Fires are by permit only.
Wanganui's principal rural fire officer, Kevin Smith, said the fire ban had been put in place because of "extreme dryness" in the district.
"In the event of a fire, vegetation is in a very dangerous state."
Mr Smith said it was the first time since 2005 a fire ban had been imposed in Wanganui, and that was only in the "coastal strip" between SH3 and the coast.
"It's been many, many years since we've had a total fire ban in the whole district."
Rangitikei's principal rural fire officer, Stan Dulieu, said the last fire ban in the district was in 2003.
"But that was much later in the summer, around March. This is very early; we're usually just thinking about restrictions at this point."
Mr Dulieu said Rangitikei's dry conditions had been made worse by strong winds, which had dried the land out further.
He said some areas of Rangitikei were drier than others the coast and the area around Marton were the worst hit.
"We thought it was a wise move to put in a fire ban through the region.
"Fires breed more fires, and we'd like to prevent them happening before they start."
Just how flammable the two districts are was proved last week, as the tail end of Cyclone Funa flicked across the lower North Island.
A combination of high winds and hot temperatures fanned fires, lifted roofs, downed power lines and kept emergency services at full stretch.
Total fire bans
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.