Fire and Emergency declares restricted fire season for Waikato

Fire and Emergency New Zealand have declared a restricted fire season for Waikato districts from 9am on January 10, until further notice. Photo / Bevan Conley.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared that all the Waikato districts will be in a restricted fire season from 9am on Friday 10 January until further notice.

The restriction includes the Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Waikato, Hamilton City, Waipa, Ōtorohanga, and Waitomo areas. The Central North Island is already in a restricted fire season.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which can be applied for at checkitsalright.nz.

Waikato District Manager Daryl Trim said the fire risk has continued to increase despite unseasonably cooler days and some rainfall.

”In these conditions, we want to help landowners safely manage their fires to limit the risk of fires spreading out of control.

”Anyone planning to light fires in the open air will need to go to checkitsalright.nz, and go through a few easy steps to get a permit for their fire.

”If you don’t have internet access, you can phone 0800 658 628 to apply for a permit.”

The website also provides guidance on how to light open-air fires safely, and to make sure they are fully extinguished afterwards.

”We are continuing to monitor the weather and the fire risk in the Waikato District, as it is expected conditions may dry out further,” Trim said.

”Please do the right thing and apply for a permit to help keep yourselves and your community safe when using fire.”