Bans and restrictions on outdoor fires came into force across most of Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman this week.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is introducing the measures in response to the increasing risk of wildfire. District Manager, Grant Haywood, says the top of the south is experiencing high fire danger due to the hot and dry weather and has asked the whole community to do their bit to prevent fires.

"Fires will start and spread very easily and will be more challenging for our firefighters to contain and put out in these conditions," he says. "If anyone sees signs of smoke, please call 111 immediately."

Permits that have already been issued for open fires in parts of Marlborough that are currently under a Restricted Fire Season are being suspended as part of the restrictions.

Most of Nelson-Tasman and the rest of Marlborough will be covered by Restricted Fire Seasons, so fire permits will be required for almost all outdoor fires. Extreme care must be taken with fires in any areas where fires are still allowed. 

Forestry managers, farmers, orchardists and contractors are being reminded to check the sites of any old fires to make sure they are fully extinguished - raking them out and wetting them down if there is any sign of heat.

Holidaymakers and locals alike also have a part to play in preventing fires, Mr Haywood says.

"The recent fire in the dunes at Tahunanui Beach showed just how quickly a fire can take hold, and how much damage it can cause. Ninety seven percent of wildfires in New Zealand are caused by humans, and it only takes one spark."

Activities like welding and grinding should not be carried out near dry vegetation. Even parking a car in long grass can cause a fire if the hot exhaust comes into contact with long grass, he says.

Open fires are banned in the areas covered by the Prohibited Fire Season. There are some exceptions for cultural cooking fires but the ban includes fireworks. 

The Prohibited Fire Season in the Marlborough South zone takes in all the land south of the Wairau River including the flat land from the eastern side of SH1 between Tuamarina and Raringi, except the Royal New Zealand Airforce land at Woodbourne.

The Restricted Fire Season in the Marlborough North Zone covers the rest of Marlborough north of the Wairau River.

The Restricted Fire Season for the Coastal, Waimea and Nelson North zones takes in of the City of Nelson, Richmond, Brightwater, Mapua, Motueka and stretches across to the Mount Arthur range in the west.

Most of the rest of the Tasman District is already in a Restricted Fire Season, which will remain in force, so most of the Top of the South will be covered by restrictions and bans.

Meanwhile a fire has burned through 22 hectares of pine forest and native bush in Te Haroto, Hawke's Bay.

Tony Kelly, acting district manager for Hawke's Bay, says the fire ground consisted of 18 hectares of Pan Pac forest, and four hectares of native bush on Department of Conservation (DoC) land, north of Napier.

At its peak, 45 ground crew members, made up of firefighters and forestry workers, were fighting the blaze.

Due to the presence of powerlines, a helicopter wasn't an option, but a digger was working on creating a firebreak.

High temperatures and wind fanned the flames.