As El Niño weather conditions promise a windy, dry summer, Auckland Council has declared a restricted fire season for Auckland's mainland, and a total fire ban for all of the Hauraki Gulf islands. 

The restriction means that permits are required for all outdoor fires in the rural areas of Auckland's mainland, including those used for cooking and heating. 

“It is predicted this season will be very windy. In light of recent fires around the country, we urge all residents to please ‘check it’s alright before you light’,” says Auckland Council Principal Rural Fire Officer Bryan Cartelle. 

“To assist residents, new fire season signs have been placed in Huia, Waiuku, Kumeu, Silverdale, Warkworth and Wellsford to display the fire season status in that area.” 

Council-issued fire permits are available free of charge. Residents can seek free and professional fire-management advice and information by calling Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. You can also visit Auckland Council's Outdoor fires page or the Auckland Rural Fire’s newly launched Facebook page.

Residents should report suspicious fires immediately by calling 111. 

Total fire ban 

A total fire ban is now in place for all of the Hauraki Gulf islands, including Waiheke and Great Barrier Island. During a total fire ban (also known as a Prohibited Fire Season in rural areas), most outdoor fires are temporarily banned, including fireworks.

The only outdoor fires allowed in a total fire ban are those:

• small cooking fires that are enclosed in an outdoor fire device that contain all sparks and embers on private property fire
• using a device fuelled with gas, or containing all embers and sparks in a public place and small cooking fires contained in an outdoor fire device fuelled by gas.