Eastern Bay of Plenty Enters Restricted Fire Season Ahead of Summer

Eastern Bay of Plenty has become the first district in New Zealand to introduce fire restrictions this summer, with permits now required for outdoor fires in several areas.

The restricted fire season came into effect at 8am on Tuesday, 27 October, and will remain in place until further notice.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said the decision follows a drier-than-usual winter and spring, with forecast El Niño conditions raising concerns about hotter, drier and windier weather in the months ahead.

The restrictions apply to Whakatāne, Waihau Bay, Ōpōtiki, Coastal Strip, Urewera, Galatea, Plateau North and Plateau Central.

Under a restricted fire season, anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire must first obtain a permit from FENZ.

Bay of Plenty Community Risk Manager Luke Burgess said the restrictions had been introduced earlier than usual to reduce the risk of fires as the region heads into summer.

“With a drier winter and spring than usual, and the forecast El Niño conditions, we’ve taken steps earlier in the year than usual to reduce the fire risk as we head into a long, hot summer,” Burgess said.

FENZ said more than 70 fires had occurred across the district in the past month, including a significant fire on McCoy Road near Ōhope on 7 October.

Burgess said many outdoor fires were preventable, with unattended beach fires and burn piles getting out of control among the common causes.

He urged residents and visitors to take care when dealing with fire, particularly as conditions become drier.

The region’s conservation land, beaches, agricultural properties and forestry areas could all be at risk if fires were allowed to spread.

Anyone planning to light an outdoor fire is advised to check the current restrictions and permit requirements for their location before proceeding.

FENZ Service Delivery Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell said there was still uncertainty about how conditions would develop across New Zealand, but current indicators pointed towards a strong El Niño pattern.

The weather pattern could bring hotter, drier and windier conditions to northern, central and eastern parts of the country, increasing the likelihood of fires starting and spreading quickly.

“These conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread rapidly, with potential for extreme fire behaviour, so we’re preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season,” Mitchell said.

He said FENZ was closely monitoring conditions and encouraged people to prepare their properties for periods of elevated fire risk.

Mitchell also noted that people caused 98 per cent of wildfires, highlighting the importance of taking precautions and following fire safety advice.

Residents are urged not to leave fires smouldering and to avoid lighting fires in windy conditions.

FENZ has also reminded the public to use fireworks responsibly, warning they can be a significant cause of fires at this time of year.

With fire restrictions now in place across parts of the Eastern Bay of Plenty, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions and take steps to prevent avoidable fires.

The restricted fire season will remain in effect until further notice, with the public advised to check the latest requirements before lighting any outdoor fire.