Less than a month into the Western Bay of Plenty's Restricted Fire Season a hold is being placed on fire permits due to unexpected weather conditions.
The high wind rippling through the region this week has forced Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority Moana zone manager, Alan Pearce, to stop issuing permits
from today.
"Wind is a major concern when it comes open air fires - things can get out of control very quickly,'' Mr Pearce said.
"Currently wind conditions are much worse than they normally are at this time of year, and that's paired with some dry weather.
"That's why we're being precautious and not issuing any more fire permits until things have calmed down."
