As of 8:00 am Monday, 2 December 2024, a prohibited fire season is now in effect across all islands of the Hauraki Gulf, including Great Barrier Island and Kawau Island. The ban, which will remain until further notice, prohibits all outdoor fires and suspends previously issued fire permits.
The decision to implement the total fire ban comes in response to heightened wildfire risks as drier conditions take hold across the region. Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Community Risk Manager for Counties Manukau, Thomas Harre, outlined the critical factors leading to the ban.
“We’ve had a relatively wet winter and warm spring, which has led to exceptional growth,” Harre explained. “Now, with the temperature increasing, scrub and grasses will start drying out quickly. Combined with periods of extended dry and windy spells, there’s a high risk of wildfires occurring and spreading fast.”
This risk is particularly pronounced on the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, where isolation and limited infrastructure can significantly hinder emergency response efforts. Harre emphasized that fire incidents on the islands pose unique challenges.
“The islands are only accessible by sea, and only some have airports. This can make responding to wildfires or evacuations delayed and difficult. We want to do everything we can to decrease the possibility of such wildfires in the islands this summer,” he said.
The influx of visitors during December further raises concerns. According to Harre, past incidents highlight the dangers of fires started by visitors unfamiliar with the environment.
“We’ve had significant wildfires on the islands in previous Decembers caused by visitors lighting fires without knowledge of the surrounding environment. These fires have spread and damaged property and the environment,” he noted.
