Local authorities are warning residents to take care with open fires as a drier than normal season is predicted.
The Restricted Fire Season begins next week on October 1 and runs to April 30.
Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority Moana zone manager Alan Pearce said scrub and grass was already drier than normal - and the trend was expected to continue.
"An El-Nino weather pattern over summer is being predicted. This will bring stronger south and south westerly winds that will deliver less rainfall and periods of lower humidity than in previous years.
"Basically it means the risk of fires getting out of control is greater. We're asking people to be very cautious in setting open air fires and pay particular attention to the weather on the day that they intend to burn."
Mr Pearce said while there had been changes to how rural fire was managed in the sub-region, the rules and processes remained the same.
In July, the Western Bay Moana Rural Authority, which looked after fire control in rural Western Bay and Tauranga City areas, became part of the Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority.
The Pumicelands Authority brought together eight rural fire authorities operating in the North Island in a move aiming to improve fire management and reduce costs.
"Despite the name change, your fire permits will still be processed by Western Bay Council, under the same conditions as before and advice on rural fire can still be obtained by contacting the nearest Council office," Mr Pearce said.
Applications for fire permits are now open and can be completed at www.westernbay.govt.nz. Residents in Tauranga City Rural areas will continue to have their applications processed by Tauranga City Council.
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