Parts of the Eastern Bay of Plenty have become the first areas in New Zealand to enter a restricted fire season this summer.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said permits are now required for all outdoor fires.

The restriction came into effect at 8am on Tuesday and will remain in place until further notice, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Areas affected include Whakatāne, Waihau Bay, Ōpōtiki, the Coastal Strip, Urewera, Galatea, Plateau North and Plateau Central.

A restricted fire season means people must obtain a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand before lighting an outdoor fire.

Fire and Emergency Bay of Plenty community risk manager Luke Burgess said the decision was made following a drier-than-usual winter and spring, combined with forecasts of El Niño conditions.

“We’ve taken steps earlier in the year than usual to reduce the fire risk as we head into a long, hot summer,” Burgess said.

The district has recorded more than 70 fires in the past month, including a significant blaze on McCoy Rd near Ōhope on October 7. Many of those incidents were caused by unattended beach fires or burn piles getting out of control.

Burgess said the Bay of Plenty’s conservation land, beaches, agricultural areas and forests needed protecting as fire risks increased. He urged anyone planning to light an outdoor fire to check permit requirements before doing so.

Residents can check fire season conditions and apply for permits through the Check It’s Alright website or by phoning 0800 658 628.

Burgess also reminded people to take care with fireworks, which are a significant cause of fires at this time of year.

A map showing where the fire restrictions are in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency service delivery wildfire manager Tim Mitchell said current indicators pointed to a strong El Niño pattern that could bring hotter, drier and windier conditions to northern, central and eastern parts of the country.

“These conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread rapidly, with potential for extreme fire behaviour, so we’re preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season.”

He said Fire and Emergency was closely monitoring conditions and urged people to prepare their properties, avoid lighting fires in windy conditions and ensure fires were not left to smoulder.