A blaze lit during last summer's fire ban came within metres of destroying this home at Waima.
Fire restrictions will come into force across the Far North from Monday as the risk of wildfires continues to mount.
From noon on December 8 a permit will be needed to light outdoor fires anywhere in the rural Far North.
The exceptions will be gas barbecues, hangi, cultural cooking fires,
wood-fired barbecues and braziers - if they are used in areas clear of vegetation and buildings when the wind is less than 5km/h. An adult and an adequate water supply must also be present at all times.
Principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor said the fire danger had been steadily increasing despite occasional rain.
"We're getting a lot of fuel growth. It only takes a little wind, which we've been getting plenty of, and a few dry days and suddenly we're into the danger zone. We want people to have the ability to light fires, but not let things get away on them."
