Fire and Emergency New Zealand is enforcing a total fire ban on open-air fires and fireworks, including paper lanterns, in the Ahuriri-Heretaunga and Tukituki East zones of the Hawke’s Bay.

This takes effect from 8am on Monday 15 December, until further notice.

During a prohibited fire season, no fires are allowed in the open and all fire permits are suspended.

Hawke’s Bay Acting District Manager Tony Kelly says crews have responded to 15 vegetation fire callouts in the last 30 days in this zone.

"This area has experienced prolonged dry conditions, and with no significant rain forecast in the next two weeks, the risk too great.

"Fireworks are well known to start fires in these dry conditions, and we’ve seen them start in this zone in previous years. All it takes is one spark for a devastating wildfire to spread."

The Wairoa Inland, Tararua West and Tararua Central zones of the Hawke’s Bay will also be moving into a restricted fire season as of 8am on Monday 15 December, until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an open-air fire will need to obtain a permit, which you can apply for at www.checkitsalright.nz.

"These areas have seen consistently warm days and not much rain, which is set to continue.

"Go to checkitsalright.nz and enter your address to find out what fire season you are in, and if you are allowed to light an open-air fire, what conditions you must meet to light one.

"I urge everyone to think very carefully before they plan any kind of fire or apply for a fire permit.

"Our job is to protect people, property and the environment and placing these restrictions will give us greater control over burning in our District," Tony Kelly says.

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