Western Bay of Plenty residents are being reminded 'if in doubt – don't burn, or put it out” as a busy rural fire season comes to a close.

Tomorrow the Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority will end the 2014/15 Restricted Fire Season, bringing an end to the six month spell from October 1 to April 30.

Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Alan Pearce. Photo: Chris Callinan.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Alan Pearce says it has been a very busy fire season, with 4516 permits issued – a record number in recent seasons.

Any rural fires lit during the six months required permits and must have abided by the summer rural fire rules, with fires only allowed to be lit during daylight and not in strong winds.

From Friday, permits for open air fires will no longer be required until the new season begins on October 1, 2015.

Alan believes the increasing number of permits reflects a strong public awareness of the rules for burning in the open air during the season.

And despite the encouraging figures, some people ignored the requirement and were charged for extinguishing non-permitted fires as a result, says Alan.

'The Western Bay experienced some very dry conditions during the season and the authority attended more than 40 fires,” explains Alan. 'These involved vegetation, structures and vehicles.

'It's hard to understand why people ignore the requirement when permits and advice are given without cost to the applicants. Permits are only withheld when weather conditions make burning too dangerous.”

But he adds the region has been lucky, having seen fire permits suspended on just two occasions due to tinder dry conditions.

'We had a very dry patch early on in the season, then a bit of rain in December and then January,” he adds.

'In February we had very high peaks with permits suspended, almost to the point where it was a total fire ban on both these occasions.”

Matakana and Rangiwaea Islands remain in a year-round restricted fire season. Residents and visitors are reminded a permit is required for all open air fires on either island. Mayor Island (Tuhua) also remains under a total fire ban.

People intending to carry out burns over the coming winter months are reminded of their responsibilities to ensure safe fire management.

The authority has, and will continue to support burning as a valid land management tool in safe conditions. Alan asks people to use common sense and to contact the authority regarding conditions if there are any doubts.

He says: 'Looking forward into the frosty season, probably after June we'll get a big drying period then and even though the conditions look good and the weather is cooler those clear days can be a bit of a trap.

'If in doubt – don't burn, or put it out”, says Alan.

The Rural Fire Authority thanks rural residents for their cooperation during the Restricted Fire Season as well as the New Zealand Fire Service volunteer and paid staff for their efforts.