In Napier a fire permit is needed for any fire or firework except for hangi or gas barbecues.
In Hastings District the same rules apply but fire permits are obtained from a Rural Fire Officer. Hastings fire service duty officer Colin Littlewood said if a permit was obtained common sense must prevail.
"Just because you have a permit doesn't mean you have to light a fire - you must take into account factors like wind and you must never leave it unattended," he said.
Responsible behaviour around fires lessened the chance of being liable for damage the fire caused or having to bear the cost of extinguishing the fire, he said.