Fire and Emergency New Zealand has announced a ban on outdoor fires across large parts of the Nelson Tasman region as fire danger continues to rise.

From Monday 16 March, a Prohibited Fire Season will apply across the Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti fire zones. All outdoor fires will be banned in those areas.

A Restricted Fire Season will also take effect in the Murchison zone, where outdoor fires will require a permit.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand District Manager Grant Haywood said no further permits would be issued until conditions improved.

“Fires will start and spread very easily and will be more challenging for our firefighters to contain and put out in these conditions,” he said.

“If anyone sees signs of smoke, please call 111 immediately.”

Haywood said recent rain had not significantly reduced the underlying fire danger and urged people not to become complacent.

People can check whether their location is covered by the ban or the restricted fire season by visiting www.checkitsalright.nz.

The Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti fire zones cover most land within the Nelson and Tasman districts, including Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park east of the Mt Arthur Range, the Richmond Ranges, the Waimea Plains and surrounding urban settlements.

The Murchison zone covers areas west of Glenhope and includes Longford, Mangles Valley, Matakitaki, Shenandoah and Murchison township.