My Account
A restricted fire season has been in force across Auckland and Northland from February 14, making it unlawful to light any open-air fire without a permit from Fire and Emergency NZ
The restriction, in place until further notice, covers all of Auckland except for Hauraki Gulf islands, which are already in a prohibited fire season – a total ban. It also covers all of Northland, except for the Muri Whenua Zone (its boundary runs from Herekino on the west coast through Kaitaia to Taipa on the east coast), which is also in a prohibited fire season.
FENZ regional manager Ron Delvin says high westerly winds in Northland are driving fire danger to “extreme” levels, while Auckland is predicted to be drier than usual, with stronger winds, over the next few months. Anyone considering lighting a fire is asked to use the tool at www.checkitsalright.nz.
A wild fire near Cape Reinga, last March, took eight days to extinguish at a cost of more than $1.5 million. A 2021/22 fire near Waiharara burnt for 50 days, costing more than $10 million.
