Fire restrictions in the Gisborne-East Coast region were lifted on Friday morning, but the Fire Service says there's still some risk in rural areas.
Principal rural fire officer Rene Londeman says it's been one of the longest running restricted fire seasons for some years, due to exceptionally dry conditions, but the risk has now dropped to a comfortable level.
Lifting of the restrictions means permits will no longer be needed for fires in rural areas.
However, permanent restrictions remain in place in Gisborne city.
