New Zealand / Auckland Region

Fire restrictions to be imposed across Auckland region from Monday

14:57 pm on 29 November 2019

Fire restrictions will be imposed across the greater Auckland region from Monday.

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Fire and Emergency says a restricted fire season will apply across the city and a full fire ban will apply on all the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

A restricted fire season means any open-air fires need a permit.

Auckland Principal Rural Fire Officer Thomas Harre said at this time of year a fire can start from the smallest spark, especially in rural and semi-rural areas.

"Even if you meet the conditions for a permit or have one, we don't want people lighting fires unless there's little or no wind forecasted. It is really important to check the weather conditions if you're planning on lighting a fire."

Fire and Emergency is also encouraging residents to create safety zones for their homes.

They can do this by keeping their lawns mowed, cleaning their gutters and removing leaves and twigs. Homeowners can reduce risk by removing anything that could burn like mulch, and other potentially dried vegetation off their properties.