Fire and Emergency NZ is hoping to avoid a repeat of the massive Kaimaumau fire in Northland three years ago. Photo: Supplied / Reef Lodge Motel
Fire and Emergency NZ says all outdoor fires in Northland will require a permit starting from 8am Friday.
FENZ Northland manager Wipari Henwood said very little to no rain was expected across the region for the next 10 days, along with continued strong southwesterly winds.
"Grass is drying out and forecast spike days, where fire risk rises sharply, increase the difficulty of controlling fires quickly once they've started," he said.
"As we've seen with recent fires, it takes a large number of our fire brigades, many of them volunteers, with supporting resources and aircraft to contain and control wildfires in Northland."
The Kaimaumau fire north of Kaitāia three years ago cost more than $10 million and took 50 days to put out, while the Cape Rēinga fire of 2023 took more than $1.5m and eight days to extinguish.
Henwood said he hoped to avoid a repeat of such fires by bringing in restrictions now.
The restricted fire season covered all of Northland including the Muriwhenua area, where restrictions were in place all year round.
Department of Conservation land on islands around Northland was subject to a total fire ban at all times of the year.
A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire needs a fire permit, which can be applied for at checkitsalright.nz.
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