Fire and Emergency New Zealand is lifting fire restrictions in the Bay of Plenty from 6am on Saturday, April 12.

The district will move from a restricted fire season to an open fire season.

The areas moving to an open fire season are Tokoroa, Rotorua, Central Lakes, Plateau North Central and South, Urewera, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Tauranga and Kawerau, as well as Tongariro and Taupō in South Waikato.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Jeff Maunder says recent weather conditions have lowered the risk in the area.

“Cooler weather has reduced the impact of drought in the area, with more showers forecast over the coming weeks.”

An open fire season means permits are no longer needed for open-air fires.

Jeff Maunder said while the risk has been reduced, anyone planning an open-air fire should still take care of it.

“We ask anyone who is planning on lighting an open-air fire to visit www.checkitsalright.nz where they can see if any restrictions are in place and access safety advice."