Permit holders are being warned that a total fire ban is expected across the Western Bay of Plenty rural fire district by the end of the week.

Pumicelands Moana Zone Manager, Alan Pearce, says constant winds from the south-west, combined with increasing daily temperatures, has raised the fire risk to ‘extreme' in some parts of the district.

Photo: File.

All fire permit holders need to pay particular attention to the conditions of their permits and be extra cautious, says Alan.

'Any fires must be kept small, started early in the morning in calm conditions and supervised at all times,” says Alan. 'That's crucial for fire safety in these circumstances.

'Please do not begin burning after 11am for the foreseeable future. When you are burning, please ensure you have water and tools available to control your fires.”

He also strongly recommends that nobody starts any outdoor burning activity during high winds. If a fire becomes out of control, he advises to dial 111 immediately and report the incident.

'There is little rain forecast for the next few days,” he says. 'If these current conditions continue I expect we will have to place a total fire ban for the region until the situation improves.”

For information and advice on rural fire, contact the Fire Authority on: 07 571 8008.