Permits will be required for any open-air fires from 8am on Friday. Photo: 123RF
Parts of the Manawatū-Whanganui region will move to a restricted fire season on Friday morning due to increasingly hot and dry weather.
It means permits will be required for any open-air fires from 8am on Friday.
The affected area spans from State Highway 1 and SH3 to the coast, and includes all beaches, as well as Levin, Foxton, Sanson and Bulls townships, and Whanganui city.
Fire risk conditions were increasing rapidly with warm temperatures, drying winds and low rainfall, said Fire and Emergency's Manawatū-Whanganui district manager Nigel Dravitzki.
"Growing conditions have led to an abundance of grass growth increasing the risk of grass fires that can ignite and spread quickly.
"Although some rain is forecast next week, it may be isolated and not alleviate the current fire risk."
A map showing where fire restrictions will be in place from 12 January. Photo: FENZ
People can visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check the fire risk conditions, and apply for a permit, Dravitzki said.
"Even if you are not in the restricted zone, it may still be too dangerous to light a fire. If in doubt, don't light."