File pic Photo: RNZ / Mohammad Alafeshat
Outdoor fires will no longer be allowed in the Wellington district from tomorrow morning.
The Hutt Valley, Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti Coast zones will all be placed into a prohibited fire season from 8am.
A prohibited fire season means no open-air fires are allowed and all fire permits are suspended.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said that the recent dry, hot and windy weather has caused grass, gorse, scrub and pine to dry out across the region.
Community risk manager Phil Soal said this meant wildfires will be more difficult to control and extinguish.
"While there has been rain in the region over the past few days, it hasn't been enough to alleviate the fire danger," he said.
"It is important people remain vigilant and understand the fire danger risks. I encourage people to go to checkitsalright.nz for fire safety advice."