The total fire ban over the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki district council areas has now been lifted and replaced with a restricted fire season.

The ban was lifted as of midnight Friday, March 20, but locals will need a permit for all open air fires during the upcoming restricted season.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council says the total fireban has now been lifted and replaced by a restricted fire season. Photo: File

To obtain a permit all locals need to do is pop down to their nearest council and Department of Conservation office, or your local Voluntary Rural Fire Force chief fire officer in more rural areas.

Council says farmers and lifestyle block owners are urged to take extra care when burning large piles of wood.

'Burn early in the day during settled weather and light winds and watch the fire until it is out as unattended fires can escape very quickly and can cause serious damage.

'Escaped fires can require emergency response to supress, which can result in a considerable cost to the landowner.”

Permits are required for all fires in the open air and this includes, but is not limited to, open top incinerators, braziers, traditional cooking and hangi fires.

They will not be issued for domestic fireworks, Chinese lanterns or beach fires.

Permits are not required for gas fuelled barbeques, portable gas cookers/stoves, in a public place or on private land providing they are used in a safe, considerate manner and attended by an adult.

For more information on fires and fire permits visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire