The Auckland region will be under a total fire ban from next week, Fire and Emergency says.
From Tuesday at 8am, Auckland and North Waikato will enter a prohibited fire season. All current fire permits will be suspended from this point forwards.
A restricted fire season has been in place across the greater Auckland region since November, but Fire and Emergency says there have been a number of near misses.
"We have had a couple of close calls recently where our crews have done brilliant jobs to bring potentially dangerous fires under control," said principal rural fire officer Thomas Harre on Friday.
"It only takes a spark to start a fire."
The majority of the North Island is currently at extreme risk for fires, according to NIWA's fire weather map.
High temperatures are forecast for Auckland Anniversary weekend and Harre has asked Aucklanders to exercise extreme caution around activities which include fire.
To check whether you are allowed to light a fire in your area, head to www.checkitsalright.nz
