Open fire season

The Wellington district, which goes as far north as O¯ taki, has moved back into an open fire season. The recent wet weather has lowered the district's fire risk and enabled the move back to an open fire season. Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Nick Pyatt said while residents of Wellington district will now be able to light open-air fires without a permit, the fire risk is still there.

“Please remain vigilant and take all precautions when lighting fires or attending burns — the fire risk is not eliminated. If you are planning on lighting a fire, go to www.checkitsalright.nz for advice about lighting open air fires safely, and remember, if it's hot and windy, please don't light a fire at all.”