Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Waikato Northern and Thames-Coromandel Districts back to an open fire season from 8am, Friday 18 April, until further notice.

An open fire season means people planning to light fires outdoors no longer need to apply to Fire and Emergency for authorised permits.

Waikato District Manager Daryl Trim says the summer temperatures have given way to cooler autumn conditions, so the fire risk has lowered.

"As always, we ask people to take care when considering lighting any fires, and to check the conditions for your location on www.checkitsalright.nz," he says.

"This weekend however, with the expected wind from ex Tropical Cyclone Tam, we urge the public to delay the lighting of any fires.

"Once the windy conditions ease, we urge everyone to always take care with any fire, and check for reignition, which can still happen weeks after a fire has been thought to be extinguished."

Department of Conservation lands are still in a restricted season, so permits are needed from Fire and Emergency before lighting any fires in those areas.

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