A fire is still burning on forestry land at Parewanui, near Bulls. (File image) Photo: Scion
People in the Manawatū-Whanganui area are being warned that fire danger is increasing across the region.
The hot, dry conditions and brisk winds meant people needed to be extra careful about sparking fires this weekend, Fire and Emergency said.
"We've had several large preventable wildfires already this summer, including beach fires and other fires in Taihape, Whanganui and Levin areas," Manawatū-Whanganui community risk manager Kerry O'Keefe said.
"There's also one still burning now on forestry land at Parewanui near Bulls.
"Our team is continuing to monitor the weather and vegetation conditions closely, and with the vegetation in the area drying out, there's more potential for fires to get started and get out of control."
The area was still in an open fire season - where permits were not required - but people should carefully consider where and how they light fires, he said.
"We're also asking people to take extra care with any activities which generate heat or sparks - such as welding, lawn-mowing, using chainsaws, or parking hot vehicles on long, dry grass.
"These can easily start fires which are hard to stop."
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