Whanganui's fire ban comes a month early this summer

Look for the signs, a total fire ban has been issued across the Whanganui district. Photo/ file

Beach bonfires have been labelled a "no-go zone" this summer with the announcement of a fire ban in Whanganui that comes a month earlier than usual.

The ban was imposed at 8am Thursday across the Whanganui district and will remain in place until further notice.

Whanganui Fire and Emergency deputy principal Gavin Pryce said it was exceptionally unusual for this time of year but it was not a decision the fire department has taken lightly.

"It's normally late January before we even start to consider these fire bans so we have a long way to go," he said.

Mr Pryce said there were two parts to the fire ban, restricted and prohibited.

"Whanganui's coastal areas have been marked prohibited which means there's a total ban on lighting of any fires in open air."

He said this was because Whanganui was extremely dry on the coast and starting to dry out inland but the top of the district was still very green.

"So areas more inland or at the top of our district have been marked restricted which means a permit is needed to light a fire in open air."

The types of fire that have been authorised as not being fires in open area and don't need a fire permit during the ban include; enclosed gas BBQs, charcoal BBQs, approved incinerators, permanent outdoor fireplaces.

Mr Pryce said cultural fires, such as a hangi or umu, required a permit.

"Even though we are in a fire ban we don't want to stop people from traditional cooking but we do recommend that they take those extra precautions to make sure it is safe for everyone."

People who require a permit can expect a visit within 24 hours from the fire service who will provide recommendations to ensure it is safe to use.

Mr Pryce said the risk index had moved to very high recently and it was a major concern.

"It could potentially get worse before it gets better. We have already attended a lot of fires in the last two weeks in the Whanganui and Rangitikei regions."

Whanganui's move to a ban was implemented in conjunction with South Taranaki, Horowhenua, Rangitikei and Manawatu.

Mr Pryce said he would really like to reiterate to people that fire service volunteers want to have a Christmas break as well so people just need to take that extra care and be vigilant.

"If a total fire ban means no fires that includes the beaches. As much as it's a pastime for Kiwis to have a bonfire on the beach, especially over the New Year, that's just a no go zone."

To check the status of a area or to get a permit visit: www.checkitsalright.co.nz or call 0800 658628.