The total fire ban in force across the Western Bay Moana Rural Fire District will be lifted at 8.00am Wednesday, 17 February 2010, and the District will revert to a restricted fire season.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Barry Low says fire danger levels have eased considerably in the last week due to rain, high humidity and milder winds.

Barry says his team have been pleased with the level of cooperation from residents during the fire ban.

“The level of support has generally been excellent, with very few vegetation fires needing attention by the Fire Service while it was in place,” says Barry.

While the total fire ban is being lifted Barry says residents, particularly those living in rural areas, need to remember the restricted fire season is still in place, so a fire permit is required to burn unwanted material around their property.

“It’s likely that some rural residents have been stock-piling material while waiting for conditions to be relaxed, but the usual rules and conditions regarding rural fires must still be observed,” says Barry.

“If people have any doubt about safe fire practices they shouldn’t be doing it.”

While Western Bay Plenty District residents living in the urban areas of Katikati and Te Puke do not require permits to light fires in the open, Barry is reminding them to be aware of the possible consequences of doing so.

For Western Bay of Plenty District residents living in rural areas fire permits can be obtained from Council offices at no charge.

The total fire ban within Tauranga City will be lifted at the same time.  City residents requiring fire permits are reminded that these may be obtained through Tauranga City Council.

The restricted fire season is expected to end on 30 April 2010.

The Western Bay Moana Rural Fire District includes the Western Bay of Plenty District, Mauao, Matakana Island, Rangiwaea Island, Motuhoa Island, Motiti Island, and Mayor Island.

Specific rural areas of Tauranga City are also included for fire control purposes.

Any person noticing a fire should immediately report it through the emergency ‘111’ system.