Anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire in inland areas in the Grey and Buller districts will now need a permit. Photo: 123RF
A restricted fire season has been declared for the Grey and Buller inland areas on the West Coast, until further notice.
Fire and Emergency says the ban means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a permit.
West Coast District Manager Myles Taylor said while there was meant to be some rain over the next couple of days, it would not be enough to make a difference in places where the vegetation was very dry.
"Because the West Coast is normally so lush, we have a lot of vegetation that becomes a fire risk when it dries out," he said.
"That's especially the case in the Grey and Buller Inland areas, where there's flammable vegetation such as gorse, kānuka, and grasses near native forest and forestry blocks.
"Restricting the number of fires that can be lit reduces the chances of a fire getting out of control during this high-risk time."
Taylor said significant wildfires were becoming more frequent in Aotearoa, due to hotter, drier weather patterns.
"Around 97 percent of New Zealand's wildfires are caused by people, so we know we can prevent them if we try," he said.
"Before lighting a fire, go to checkitsalright.nz and enter your address to find out what fire season you're in, and what conditions you would need to meet to light a fire, or if it's permitted at all.
"We're also asking people on the West Coast to help us protect our people, property, environment and wildlife, by avoiding activities which could start a fire.
"These include using power tools or mowing the lawns in the hottest part of the day, or parking a hot vehicle on long, dry grass."
