A vegetation fire near Mill Road last month has prompted a reminder from Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Whakatāne District Council about the rules around outdoor fires and the importance of using them safely.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were called to a small vegetation fire near a Mill Road fenceline about 3.34am on June 20.

Crews from Whakatāne extinguished the fire and left the scene about an hour later.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said it was believed the vegetation fire may have started from a nearby campfire.

Police said they were notified on June 28 about a fire that had occurred on the night of June 19.

“Available evidence, including CCTV, was reviewed, however, at this stage it has not been determined how the fire began.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact 105 and quote file number 260628/5584.

When asked whether people camping, or sleeping rough were permitted to light fires and whether the district had seen an increase in such incidents, Whakatāne District Council said it was aware of people sleeping in reserves across the district, including in tents or makeshift shelters.

“Whakatāne District Council is aware of people sleeping in reserves across the district, including in tents or makeshift shelters.

“This has occurred for many years, with numbers and locations fluctuating over time,” community partnerships manager Frank Begley said.

Mr Begley said fires were not permitted in public places without prior written permission from the council or an authorised officer, except in limited circumstances provided for under the Public Places Bylaw.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said Whakatāne is in an open fire season, meaning people could light outdoor fires without a permit where permitted, but they must also comply with local council bylaws and air quality rules.

The agency reminds people to choose a suitable location away from vegetation, buildings and other combustible materials, keep fires under constant supervision, and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.