Fire and Emergency is keeping a blanket ban on open-air fires and fireworks in place through the long weekend as warm, windy conditions persist and dry out eastern areas.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper said many parts of the east coast saw wind rather than rain this week, and conditions over the next few days—warm temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds—leave “continued high fire danger”.

The prohibition covers Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury until Monday morning. It applies to BBQs as well. An exception is made for people without power in residential areas who need to cook; those BBQs must be used away from vegetation on a flat, solid surface.

“It means no fires at all,” Cooper said. “The slightest spark in windy weather can cause a fire that will spread very quickly and be very difficult and dangerous for our crews to put out.” He asked landowners, contractors, forestry managers and lifestyle block owners to re-check any old burn piles—“even if they are weeks old”—to ensure they are fully out.

In Canterbury, Fire and Emergency expects to finish work today on three of the four remaining fires. District Commander Dave Stackhouse said the Kaikōura fire and the Leader Road fire at Waiau are likely to be handed back to landowners later today. Crews will keep working hotspots near Hanmer Springs, potentially into tomorrow. The Clarence fire, in Fire and Emergency’s Marlborough district, has already been returned to the landowner.

Stackhouse thanked local communities and employers of volunteer firefighters for their support, and urged people to call 111 if they see a smoke plume. Warm, windy conditions are forecast to continue in most areas over the long weekend.

In Hawke’s Bay, there was no overnight spread on the three Porangahau fires. About 43 staff are on the ground, supported by an incident management team of seven. Bush Road is 100 percent contained and being monitored for hotspots. Schaeffer Road is also 100 percent contained; eight firefighters are working to extinguish remaining hotspots, aiming to finish today depending on the weather. The Saleyard Bridge fire is 50 percent contained, with 33 firefighters extending containment lines and preparing for an afternoon wind change. Heavy machinery and helicopters are on standby and will resume if fire activity flares. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

People can check local restrictions at www.checkitsalright.nz.