Open fire season for Manawatū-Whanganui District

2 Paengawhāwhā 2025

The Manawatū-Whanganui District will move back to an open fire season at 8am on Thursday, 3 April.

This includes all of the Horowhenua, Manawatū, Rangitikei and Whanganui and Palmerston North areas.

Manawatū-Whanganui District Manager Nigel Dravitzki says the current weather conditions have driven this change in fire season.

"The recent rainfall, heavy dew and cooler temperatures have reduced the wildfire risk," he says.

"We’re also expecting quite a bit of rain in the next week which will further reduce the risk."

An open fire season means permits are no longer required for open-air fires.

Anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire is encouraged to visit www.checkitsalright.nz.

Nigel Dravitzki would like to remind people to check the weather conditions before lighting an open-air fire.

"The easiest way to do this is to go to www.checkitsalright.nz, where you can see the current fire danger and wildfire risk," he says.