Hastings District Council is putting fire restrictions in place that mean any open fires will need a permit before a match is struck.
Waatea News reports that includes hangi.
Deputy principal rural Fire Officer Paul Hawke, says there has been little or no rain there in the last few weeks plus temperatures in the high 20s and strong winds creating "blast furnace" conditions.
He says marae with designated hangi areas and experienced operators are not their primary concern, but everyone needs to be careful.
