Thanks to a significant rain over the weekend fire permits will be now be available in the Rotorua District on a case-by-case basis. Photo / Ben Fraser
Thanks to a significant rain over the weekend fire permits will be now be available in the Rotorua District on a case-by-case basis. Photo / Ben Fraser
Rotorua locals will be able to apply for fire permits again thanks to the wet weather over the weekend.
Pumicelands principal rural fire officer Paul Wright said following the "significant" rain, fire permits would be able to be issued in the Rotorua District from tomorrow but on a case-by-case basis.
"It was welcomed rain we had."
According to MetService there was a total of 27mm of rain over 24 hours from Saturday to Sunday.
Mr Wright said anyone with existing fire permits before the total fire ban would be notified electronically when they are re-issued.
"Those not yet with permits will be able to apply for them, preferably through our website."
A total fire ban had been in place last week in the Rotorua District following very dry conditions.
Rotorua is now in a fire by permit only status. According to the Pumiceland website this means people need to check with local council or the Department of Conservation for specific conditions concerning camp fires, BBQ's, incinerators and ethnic cooking fires.
Rotorua-Taupo Federated Farmers committee member and Paradise Valley farmer Neil Heather said it was good to get some rain.
"It was a good amount of rain too. We've been fine this side of Rotorua but the farmers south of Rotorua were starting to get pretty dry. It was welcomed rain, I never say no to rain at this time of year."
He said the wind over the weekend had been "annoying".
"Meant some cleaning up to do but nothing major."
He said the total fire ban hadn't really impacted on his work.
MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee said the week wasn't looking too bad, aside from a fast-moving front tomorrow which might bring about evening showers.
Thursday and Friday look to be clear with cloudy periods.
