Northland fire status lowered to a restricted season

Smoke billowing from a large scrub fire in Taipa that took just over four hours to put out. Photo / Supplied

Rain and cooler overnight temperatures have helped lower Northland's fire status from a total ban to a restricted season but the danger is not over yet, a senior fire official has warned.

A total fire ban put in place at the end of January was lifted at 8am yesterday and a permit is now required for all types of fires except approved campground fires or those lit for cooking or warmth.

"A combination of rain and cooler overnight temperatures as well as a change in relative humidity have all helped change the fire environment. The conditions are such that we believe its safe to lift the total fire ban," Northland principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor said.

Northland Regional Council figures show places throughout the region received more than 25mm of rain between February 16 to yesterday.

Whakapara at Puhipuhi received 45mm, Okarika at Rowland Rd in Turiwiri, west of Whangārei, had 34.5mm, and Water St in Whangarei got 28mm over that period.

Taylor said despite the recent rain, the fire risk has not come down dramatically.

"People still need to be vigilant and make sure controls are in place. We are not going to issue fire permits to everybody because we're still waiting for the fire danger to come down a little bit more."

Taylor said permits would not be issued for fires with lots of scrubs around, where there was a risk of embers being transferred to other places, and for big piles of rubbish.

He said firefighters were still attending to callouts involving rubbish and scrub fires being lit by irresponsible Northlanders.

"The wind has died down which has been helpful but we want people to be mindful of the fact wind is a contributing factor in fires. Many people think the fire danger is eased in March and April but it's not.

"March and April can be quite busy for us because the underlying vegetation is still very dry," Taylor said.

Fire bosses are revisiting all 80 illegal fires lit across Northland since fire restrictions were imposed and Taylor said no decision on prosecution has been made as yet.

One of the biggest fires during the summer ripped through 65ha of scrub and pine forest off Giles Rd at Horeke while another fire in December covered up to 100ha at Pipiwai Rd, near Matawaia.

Potentially the most damaging blaze in terms of property broke out at 1.30am on Friday at Ahipara and forced the evacuation of half a dozen homes on Gumfields Rd.

The maximum penalty for breaching a fire ban is a fine of $300,000 or two years' jail.