Another dose of hot, dry weather has forced the Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority to once again place a suspension on all open air fire permits.

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Alan Pearce, says despite some overnight rain the current conditions have made it too dangerous to light open air fires.

From today, open air fire permits are suspended in the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City.

'The Drought Code index has increased rapidly over the last six days and it has reached a point where burning is unsafe,” says Alan.

The authority is now actively considering imposing a total fire ban, as part of its safety strategy, if conditions do not improve within the week.

'We need a good quantity of rain to alleviate the fire danger,” adds Alan.

From today, open air fire permits are suspended in the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City.

Alan is also asking current permit holders to refrain from open air burning when possible.

He also wishes to remind people that any fire is the responsibility of the person causing it, and they can be liable for the often costly efforts to suppress uncontrolled wild fire.

There is no significant rain forecast for the Bay of Plenty during the next few days.

To keep updated on fire permit conditions, and for more information, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz