The Bay of Plenty is the first district in New Zealand to put areas into a restricted fire season this summer, with restrictions now in place until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to light a fire outside.

Fire and Emergency Bay of Plenty Community Risk manager Luke Burgess said outdoor fires would be restricted in Whakatāne, Waihau Bay, Ōpōtiki, Coastal Strip, Urewera, Galatea, Plateau North, and Plateau Central.

"With a drier winter and spring than usual, and the forecast El Niño conditions, we’ve taken steps earlier in the year than usual to reduce the fire risk as we head into a long, hot summer," he said.

"We’ve had more than 70 fires in the district in the past month - including a significant fire on McCoy Road near Ōhope on October 7.

"These fires are so easily avoided – many starting from unattended beach fires or burn piles getting out of control.

"The Bay of Plenty has a lot of valuable conservation land, beaches, agriculture, and forestry, and we need the community to help us keep them safe from fire this summer.

"If you’re planning on lighting an open-air fire, go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the fire season and permit requirements for your location.

"You can apply for a fire permit on the website, or phone 0800 658 628 if you don’t have internet access."

Burgess also urges people to be responsible with fireworks, which are a significant cause of fires at this time of year.

Service delivery wildfire manager Tim Mitchell said although there was uncertainty about how conditions would develop in different parts of New Zealand, current indicators were pointing to a strong El Niño pattern that might bring hotter, drier and windier conditions to northern, central, and eastern parts of the country.

"These conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread rapidly, with potential for extreme fire behaviour, so we’re preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season," he said.

"We’re closely monitoring conditions, but with 98 percent of our wildfires caused by people, it’s really important people prepare their properties and follow our safety advice when higher fire risk conditions are experienced.

"This includes making sure fires are not left to smoulder and avoiding lighting fires in windy conditions."