Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving Auckland City, Waitematā and Counties-Manukau Districts back to an open fire season from 8am on Wednesday 23 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.

The exceptions are the Hauraki Gulf Islands - populated islands will move to a restricted fire season, with permits needed from Fire and Emergency before lighting outdoor fires, and Department of Conservation islands remain in a prohibited fire season, with all outdoor fires banned.

Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says a steady amount of rain across the Auckland region in the last few days and continued cooler forecasts have triggered the fire season changes.

"The damper autumn conditions means there is now less of a fire risk throughout Tāmaki Makaurau," he says.

"However, we do still ask people to take care when lighting any fires, and to check the requirements for your location on checkitsalright.nz .

"Make sure your fires are fully extinguished and keep checking for reignition in the following days and weeks."

Northland District changed to an open fire season last Friday.

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