January's hot, dry weather has forced Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority to place an immediate suspension on all open air fire permits in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce said current conditions had made it too dangerous to light open air fires. The suspension does not affect urban Tauranga areas.
A large scrub fire reported yesterday threatened several houses and farm buildings in Aongatete before it was brought under control, Mr Pearce said.
"Scrub, grasses and ground litter are now dangerously dry and will ignite easily. The intensity of these fires makes them very difficult to control in the hot and windy conditions we're experiencing."
The authority is now actively considering imposing a total fire ban, as part of its safety strategy, if conditions do not improve in the next seven to 10 days, Mr Pearce said.
"We need a good quantity of rain to alleviate the fire danger."
From today, applications for open air fire permits are suspended in the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City rural areas.
Mr Pearce asks current permit holders to refrain from open air burning when possible.
He also reminds people any fire is the responsibility of the person causing it, and they can be liable for the often very costly efforts to suppress uncontrolled wild fire.
Mr Pearce is happy to discuss matters relating to open air fires and can be contacted on 07 571 8008.
To keep updated on fire permit conditions and for more information visit www.westernbay.govt.nz