The current dry weather conditions and extremely high fire risk have forced the closure of both the Kohi Point Walkway and Mokorua “Bird Walk” Track - two of Whakatāne’s most popular walking tracks.

Whakatāne District Council Principal Rural Fire Officer Neal Yeates says tinder dry vegetation means that even the smallest spark could ignite a major fire. “The steep terrain these tracks lead though means that in the event of a fire, people could be left with no escape route.  Fire travels uphill at incredible speeds and with people still lighting fires on beaches, the Kohi Point Track now presents an unacceptable risk to users. If a fire starts and a moderate-to-strong wind is blowing, the whole area could potentially be alight very quickly.”

The ‘Build Up Index’, which measures the fire risk, registered 168 at the Whakatane Airport this week - a level which is considered well into the extreme range.

During a prohibited fire season, it’s an offence for any person to light a fire anywhere in the District in the open air, or to cause or assist any person to light such a fire. This includes braziers, incinerators, charcoal barbeques, bonfires, Chinese lanterns, pizza ovens and burn-offs.

“With no significant rainfall in sight, a Total Fire Ban will remain in place until further notice. We ask that farmers and the general public be extra-vigilant and report any smoke sightings to Emergency Services on 111,” Mr Yeates adds.

Signs notifying the track closures have been placed at all entry points and will remain in place until the fire risk abates.