Fire and Emergency issue total fire ban in Whangārei and Kaipara due to extreme risk

"It's very important people follow the fire ban and don't light any outside fires or let off fireworks."
"It's very important people follow the fire ban and don't light any outside fires or let off fireworks." Photo credit: Getty

A total fire ban in Whangārei and Kaipara has been put in place due to high-risk fire conditions.

Fire and Emergency principal rural fire officer Myles Taylor says the ban, effective from 8am on December 24, means no open-air fires are allowed.

"It's very important people follow the fire ban and don't light any outside fires or let off fireworks," he says.

"It's too risky. In the current hot and dry conditions a stray ember or firework could easily start a fire which would quickly spread."

The Far North remains in restricted conditions but fire permits are still suspended until further notice.

"It's still very dry in the Far North but we are expecting some rain to come through the area over the next few days," Taylor says.

"We will continue to monitor the conditions and fire danger level. Fire permits will be reinstated when it's safe to do so and when there is less risk of a fire getting out of control.

"We need the people of Northland, and those planning a holiday in Northland, to do their part to prevent a wildfire this summer."

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