Fire and Emergency New Zealand is declaring a restricted fire season in the Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti zones of the Nelson-Marlborough District, from 8am on Tuesday 31 March until further notice.

The Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti zones extend from and include Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park (east of the Mt Arthur Range), Richmond Ranges and all the areas of the Waimea Plains and urban settlements.

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

District Commander Grant Haywood says increased rainfall has allowed the District to move these areas from a prohibited fire season to a restricted fire season.

"We had a good few days of regular rain last week which has decreased the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly.

"While the risk has reduced, it doesn’t take much for the vegetation to dry up again.

"Everyone planning an outdoor fire must go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the conditions are safe to light.

"You can also access safety tips and guidelines for your fire on this website. Please follow these and help us keep our District protected from wildfires," Grant Haywood says.

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