Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority has cancelled all current fire permits in the Western Bay of Plenty effective immediately.

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Alan Pearce, says the weekend's short burst of rain was not enough to reduce the current fire risk.

'Waihi Beach and all land from the lower Kaimais, Papamoa and Pukehina hills to the coast is now bone-dry.

'Weather stations are indicating that the rainfall we received at the weekend has basically evaporated and rain predicted later this week is unlikely to alleviate the drought.”

From today, all current fire permits in the Western Bay of Plenty District and rural Tauranga areas are cancelled.

The fire authority will endeavour to advise all permit holders as soon as possible.

Alan says he's received many calls supporting this 'necessary step”.

'Land owners and residents are well aware of the risks out there.”

He wishes to remind people of their responsibility of lighting any fires and risking wildfire.

'It's unlawful and it will be the fire lighter's responsibility.”

Alan is happy to discuss matters relating to open air fires and can be contacted on 07 571 8008.

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