Thames Coromandel and North Waikato move to a restricted fire season

16 Huitanguru 2024

The Thames Coromandel and North Waikato districts move to a restricted fire season from 9am on Friday 16 February, until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.

The restricted fire season covers all areas including Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Waikato and Hamilton City.

Announcing the fire season change, District Manager Daryl Trim says the fire risk has increased with the warm dry weather and is now at the level where Fire and Emergency New Zealand can work with landowners by issuing them permits to help them safely manage their fires.

"Please head to www.checkitsalright.nz which will take you through a few easy steps to get permitted for your fire," Daryl Trim says.

"If you don’t have internet access you can phone 0800 658 628 to apply for a permit," he says.

The website also provides information on how to light open-air fires more safely.

"We will continue to monitor the weather and the fire risk at it is expected conditions may start to dry out further," he says.

"Please do the right thing and apply for a permit to help keep yourselves and your community safe when using fire".