Fire permit requirements lifted

An open fire season has been reinstated in the Far North district, removing earlier restrictions on the lighting of fires in the open.

From midnight today (Monday 09 March 2009) fire permits will no longer be required in areas administered by the Far North District Council.

However restrictions still apply in the Aupouri/Karikari Rural Fire District and in areas administered by the Department of Conservation.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Lance Johnston says it is now unlikely the council will reintroduce restrictions before the 2009/10 summer season.

"With recent heavy rain, fire risk indicators are now well within acceptable levels.

"While permits are no longer required, the onus remains on those lighting fires in the open to act responsibly and to take care to ensure that their actions do no create a danger to others.

"If in doubt, free advice is available by contacting any council Service Centre," he says.