Move to open fire season
Permits will no longer be required for open-air fires
Rain across the Waikato district has brought a decrease in the fire danger, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) to move the area back to an open fire season.
In December, Fenz declared a restricted fire season for the Thamescoromandel District, however, the open season is now in effect after the status was changed on Friday, February 2.
This means permits will no longer be required to light an open-air fire in the Thames-coromandel area.
The Coromandel Peninsula is covered in bush-clad areas and forestry which makes it susceptible to fires often during dry summers.
In 2017, a massive bush fire south of Whitianga ripped through 70ha of bush, scrub and homes, as well as wiping out most of the Wilderland Sustainable Community settlement, and in November 2022, firefighters responded to a large fire in a forestry block near Te Mata near Havelock North which was started by fireworks.
The district-wide ban on fireworks, imposed by Fenz under December’s ban was breached on New Year’s Eve in Cooks Beach where several people set off flares.
Fire and Emergency District manager Daryl Trim said, despite the lifting of the restricted season order, the public should still exercise caution when lighting fires and mitigate any potential flare-ups.
“The risk has reduced but we want the public to remain vigilant. If you are thinking of lighting a fire, check the forecast conditions.”
“While the public no longer need a permit, it is important the public understand they are still responsible to ensure any fire they light is well controlled and safe.”
For advice on how to burn safely during an open season, to check the fire danger on a given day and to check the current fire season, people can visit www.checkitsalright.nz.