Fire and Emergency New Zealand has announced that Auckland City, Waitematā, and Counties-Manukau Districts will return to an open fire season from 8am on Wednesday, 23 April, until further notice.

This change means residents no longer need to apply for permits to light outdoor fires, with some exceptions.

The Hauraki Gulf Islands will move to a restricted fire season, where permits will be required before lighting fires.

In contrast, Department of Conservation islands will remain in a prohibited fire season, with all outdoor fires banned.

Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin explained that recent rainfall and cooler weather conditions across Auckland have reduced the fire risk.

"The damper autumn conditions mean there is now less of a fire risk throughout Tāmaki Makaurau," he said.

Despite the change, Fire and Emergency urges people to remain cautious when lighting fires and to follow location-specific fire requirements, which can be found on checkitsalright.nz

It is important to ensure fires are fully extinguished and monitored for reignition in the coming days.

Northland District also moved to an open fire season last Friday, joining the rest of Auckland in easing restrictions.

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