Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for North Waikato from 4pm Thursday 19 March until further notice.

During a restricted fire season people wanting to light outdoor fires must apply to Fire and Emergency for a permit and have it approved.

The North Waikato zone includes the Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo territorial authorities, and Hamilton City.

Announcing the fire season change District Manager Daryl Trim says drier conditions during late summer and early autumn have triggered the change.

"Despite regular rainfall, the fire risk in North Waikato is increasing," Daryl Trim says.

"We’ve had an increase in the number of vegetation fires including several large fires.

"While these have been controlled and extinguished, we anticipate fhese fires will likely become more frequent.

"Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns," he says.

"A restricted season will reduce the risk to persons and property."

The Thames-Coromandel District remains in a restricted fire season.

Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for full details of the fire season status and what activities are restricted or banned.

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