Steps are being taken to put out any fire risk on the West Coast

Fire and Emergency has suspended all fire permits in the Grey District due to the current water shortage - it won't be issuing any new permits until there's been significant rainfall.

The West Coast is currently in a restricted fire season and a conserve water notice is in place in Greater Greymouth and Blackball.

District Manager Myles Taylor says fighting vegetation fires would place additional pressure on local water supplies that are already depleted.

He says contingency measures are already in place, with two additional water tankers being moved to Greymouth.