Fire ban introduced for coastal strip of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa

A fire ban has been announced for Papamoa and Mount Maunganui to prevent fires like this one on Mauao several years ago. Photo/file

A total fire ban has been put in place in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.

The ban, which starts from 12pm today, runs along the coastal strip of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.

It will remain in place until further notice, the Tauranga City Council said.

"This applies to all land on the seaward side of Marine Pde, Ocean Beach Rd, Maranui St, and Papamoa Beach Rd."

Council's parks and environment team leader, Warren Aitken, said it was necessary to introduce the ban because of the early arrival of hot, dry weather this summer.

"The rain earlier this week wasn't enough to mitigate the risk of wildfire. This ban affects only the coastal strip, but regardless of where you reside in Tauranga, please take extreme care with fire."

The decision was made by the New Zealand Fire and Emergency and the council as a result of the recent dry weather, a council press release said.

"The Mount Maunganui/Papamoa area has considerable vegetation, including grass and scrub along the dunes, which could act as fuel."

The ban does not prohibit residents from using barbecues or traditional cooking fires as long as the fire does not pose a danger, there is a water supply present to extinguish the fire, and the fire is supervised at all times.

There will be signs put in place at popular beach entrances along the coast and the council said if the dry conditions continue, a fire ban could be imposed on all of Tauranga's urban areas.