Fire and Emergency NZ has declared a Prohibited Fire Season in the Inland Buller area, as dry and hot conditions have reached the threshold for banning outdoor fires.
West Coast District Manager Myles Taylor says the fire risk is very high due to the hot and dry conditions, and there is no significant rain forecast to bring relief.
The Prohibited Fire Season came into effect this morning (Wednesday). It means all existing fire permits are suspended immediately and no new permits for outdoor fires will be issued. The fire ban covers all of the Inland Buller zone, from Ikamatua to Reefton and Inangahua, Maruia and Springs Junction.
The rest of the West Coast remains in a Restricted Fire Season. Fire safety advice and full details of fire seasons for the whole of the country are on www.checkitsalright.nz.
