Open fire season remains in Gisborne Tairāwhiti for now

Fire authorities in Tairāwhiti remain comfortable with keeping an open fire season in place for now, unlike Hawke's Bay, where restrictions have started in some areas. Photo / Fire and Emergency Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti fire authorities have no plans to introduce fire restrictions any time soon.

A restricted fire season came into force over much of Hawke’s Bay this week, from midday Tuesday, until further notice.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager for Tairāwhiti, Trudi Hicklin, said any decision on restrictions in Tairāwhiti “was still a bit of time away”.

“We’ve got a bit of rain coming over the next couple of weeks, and it’s still quite damp out there,” Hicklin said.

“While it is getting drier, particularly at the top of the East Coast and around Gisborne, at this stage we’re comfortable to remain in an open fire season.”

That means fires in the open remain okay without a permit.

A restricted fire season means that to light a fire in the open air, a permit is required from Fire and Emergency.

Hawke’s Bay areas going into the restricted season include Esk-Tutaekuri, Ahuriri-Heretaunga, Tukituki West, Tukituki East, Southern Hawke’s Bay Coast and Pōrangahau.

People in Tairāwhiti planning a fire in the open should look at the www.checkitsalright.nz website.

“We encourage people to be mindful of wind conditions if they plan to have a fire in the open,” Hicklin said.

“Also, a reminder to ensure beach bonfires get completely extinguished.”

A fire crew was called to deal with the still-smouldering remains of a bonfire at Midway Beach on Tuesday morning.

“While it might seem harmless to enjoy a small beach fire with friends, these fires can smoulder unseen for hours or even days, hidden beneath sand and driftwood,” Fire and Emergency said in a statement.

“With a bit of wind, especially like we’ve had lately, they can flare up again – right where people walk, kids play, or dogs explore.

“If you light a fire, make sure it’s completely out before you leave – drown it with water, stir it, and check again. Don’t bury hot embers or ashes under sand – it only hides the danger, and avoid lighting fires near driftwood piles or dry grass.”