Fire and Emergency has lifted a complete fire ban in Northland, after a cooler, damper weekend

Fire permits were suspended last week, following a major blaze east of Whangarei forced some house evacuations earlier this month.

At the time, officials said hot, dry conditions and lower than expected rainfall had created an extreme fire risk.

Northland District Manager Wipari Henwood says that risk has subsided, and they're now letting people light fires with permits again.

He says people should still take great care in how and where fires are lit, and ensure they're extinguished.