The total fire ban which has been in force in the Whakatane and Opotiki Districts since 29 January will be lifted, as from Tuesday 23 April 2013.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Neal Yeates says that following significant rainfalls across the area in recent days, a total fire ban is no longer needed.

“The public are reminded though that the Opotiki District Council Rural Fire District has an all-year restricted fire season, which means that anyone wishing to light a fire in the open air must first obtain a permit from the Opotiki District Council,” Mr Yeates says.

“The Whakatane District Council Rural Fire Authority will also be extending its restricted fire season through until 31 May 2013, so again, anyone wanting to light a fire in the open air between now and the end of May must first obtain a permit from the Whakatane District Council.”

Any enquiries should be made to the relevant Council – Opotiki District Council, tel. 07 315 3030; Whakatane District Council, tel. 07 306 0500.