A total fire ban will operate on the Coromandel from this Sunday, December 20, until to Monday, February 8.

The ban includes all open fires in public places, beaches, public conservation land and private property, and may be extended if weather conditions dictate.

A total fire ban will operate on the Coromandel starting December 20 until February 8. Photo: File

It will apply to fires including traditional cooking fires, bonfires, solid-fuelled BBQs, braziers, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, and any incinerators not pre-approved by a warranted fire officer.

Applications for fire permits during the fire-ban period may be considered for traditional cooking fires for community, family and cultural events.

Thames Valley Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Del Read warns locals and visitors that most fires are the result of an act of carelessness.

'Even if you have a permit for a fire, if it gets out of control, you are responsible and you will be charged the costs of putting it out,” says Del.

'If helicopters are called out, those costs could run into thousands of dollars. Every fire is investigated and the cause can always be found.”

Del is also warning people about flares, which are usually associated with marine activity as a form of signalling when a boat crew find themselves in distress and in need of urgent assistance.

Flares have a limited shelf life and need to be replaced every few years, so get rid of any old flares by handing them in to your nearest police station or refuse transfer stations.

Old flares are sometimes fired around Christmas and New Year's Eve for entertainment, but when this happens their sightings are often reported and require investigation by emergency services.

'Give our volunteer firefighters a break by not shooting off flares. They'll thank you for allowing them more quality time with their families and friends over the festive season.

'Burning flares also become a serious fire hazard when landing in dry vegetation or other combustible material, as they burn with an intense heat,” says Del.

At its last full meeting, The Thames-Coromandel District Council resolved to work on a proposed Fires in the Open Bylaw to help rural fire officers by making it consistent with the neighbouring Hauraki and Matamata-Piako districts.

The proposal will be put out for public consultation in the New Year.

For more information on fire restrictions in the Coromandel cisit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire