Firefighters tackle a scrub fire at Pukehina. Photo/file
The fire danger throughout the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga City has reached "extreme" levels - prompting a suspension of all new fire permits from today.
Western Bay Moana Rural Authority principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce said drying vegetation across the district, coupled with hot summer winds, meant
the fire danger risk was now too high to warrant issuing further permits.
"I have completed an assessment of the fire conditions and looming weather, and in speaking with the New Zealand Fire Service feel this is the next appropriate step."
Anyone with a current approved fire permit can still burn until the expiry date of their permit, but is urged to check the conditions of their permit thoroughly.
"Don't light fires on slopes, or near vegetation such as shelterbelt hedges, and avoid lighting a fire in windy conditions," Mr Pearce said.
