After a spate of fires, a total fire ban has been declared across the East Coast, due to "exceptionally dry conditions".
Covering the area from Central Hawke's Bay to the top of the East Cape, from 8am Saturday no person can light a fire in the open air under any circumstance, unless authorised by the principal rural fire officer.
Authorised by principal rural fire officers, or council staff from across the East Coast, this ban includes all fires in the open air, incinerators, traditional cooking fires (such as hangi, umu, brie), solid fuel barbecues, brazier, pizza ovens, chiminea, camp fires and fireworks.
Gas barbecues and other gas fuelled cooking apparatus are permitted, but extra care should be taken with their use.
All fire permits previously issued are hereby suspended.