Scrub and grass is already drier than normal – and the trend is expected to continue as the Western Bay of Plenty faces an El Nino weather pattern over the summer.

Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority Moana Zone Manager, Alan Pearce, is warning Western Bay of Plenty residents to take extreme care when burning open air fires as the region faces a drier than usual season.

Rural residents are being warned of a dry summer. Photo: File.

'It means the risk of fires getting out of control is greater,” says Alan.

'We're asking people to be very cautious in setting open air fires and pay particular attention to the weather on the day that they intend to burn.

'An El-Nino weather pattern over summer is being predicted. This will bring stronger south and south-westerly winds that will deliver less rainfall and periods of lower humidity than in previous years.”

The Restricted Fire Season begins next week, on 1 October, and runs until April 30, 2016.

While there have been changes to how rural fire is managed in the sub-region, the rules and processes remain the same, says Alan.

In July the Western Bay Moana Rural Authority, which looked after fire control in rural Western Bay and Tauranga City areas, became part of the Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority.

The Pumicelands Authority brings together eight rural fire authorities operating in the North Island, in a move aimed at improving fire management and reduce costs.

'Despite the name change, your fire permits will still be processed by Western Bay Council, under the same conditions as before,” says Alan, 'and advice on rural fire can still be obtained by contacting your nearest council office.”

Applications for fire permits are now open and can be completed at: www.westernbay.govt.nz

Residents in Tauranga city rural areas will continue to have their applications processed by Tauranga City Council.