Thames-Coromandel will move into a restricted fire season at 9am on Tuesday until further notice, says Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.

The restricted fire season will cover all of the Thames-Coromandel District Council boundaries.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand acting district manager Matt Cook said the recent warm and dry weather meant the fire risk has increased.

Recently, firefighters were called to a blaze in a kiwifruit orchard in Pāuanui.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the blaze started just before midnight and quickly grew to 50m by 50m, prompting a third alarm that signalled its severity on December 6.

Despite forecast rain this week, Cook said conditions on the Coromandel Peninsula were drier than they would normally expect.

“We will now work with landowners, issuing permits to ensure they are lighting fires safely.”

People planning on lighting an open-air fire were urged to check www.checkitsalright.nz and apply for a fire permit, Cook said.

“If you don’t have internet access you can phone 0800 658 628 to apply for a permit.”

He said the website also provided information on how to light open-air fires more safely.

“We will continue to monitor the weather and the fire risk as it is expected conditions may start to dry out further.

“Please do the right thing and apply for a permit to help keep yourselves and your community safe when using fire.”