"There was a high odour of fuel in the air around the park meaning that a stray spark from an errant cigarette could have ignited the pooled fuels, possibly injuring those near-by," Mr Bain said. "It's a silly practice which could end in a volatile situation, all in aid of a thrill."
Meanwhile, fire restrictions are in force across the Far North from this week as wind and sunshine dry out vegetation and increase the fire risk.
People lighting outdoor fires need permits year-round in the most fire-prone areas of the Far North - the Aupouri and Karikari peninsulas and coastal areas near Kaitaia - but the Northern Rural Fire Authority is expanding the restricted fire season to the rest of the district from Monday.
The only fires allowed outdoors without a permit are gas barbecues, hangi, cultural cooking fires, wood-fired barbecues and braziers. Those are allowed in places clear of vegetation and buildings if the wind is less than 15km/h, an adult is present at all times and a supply of water is available to put out the fire.
Kevin Ihaka, Whangarei/Kaipara rural fire officer, said if there was not significant rainfall within 10 days, fire restrictions would be put in place. However, people still needed to be careful, regardless.