Restricted fire season declared

The Waikato district is now in a restricted fire season. This means you may need to apply for a fire permit it you want to light an outdoor fire. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to apply.

The restricted fire season will cover all of the Waikato, Waipa, Ōtorohanga, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Waitomo, and South Waikato District Council boundaries.

"While it’s been nice to enjoy the warm weather we’ve had recently, the hot dry days have meant the fire danger in the Waikato has increased," says Principal Rural Fire Officer Matt Cook.

You can use your gas or charcoal barbecue, and have a hangi or umu, during a restricted or prohibited fire season.

Thames-Coromandel (from Whangamata and Komata in the south to Port Jackson in the north) and Great Mercury Island remain in a prohibited fire season where there is a total fire ban