Dry weather and windy conditions have driven a number of fire season changes across Otago as of this morning.

Upper Waitaki and Lake Ōhau are among a number of areas moved from restricted to prohibited fire zones at 8am (Monday, December 18), while the Mackenzie Basin is now restricted. 

Central Otago, Naseby, the Queenstown Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs are also part of the ban, which means a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended until further notice.

Fireworks are also banned.

Declaring the fire season changes, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago District manager Phil Marsh said westerly winds and a lack of widespread rain has dried out much of the vegetation across the district, meaning a sharp increase in fire risk.

"In these conditions, with more wind forecast, a fire can get out of control very quickly," he said.

"We have already seen several unwanted fires across Otago in the last week, with one likely to have been caused by fireworks.

"Wind can easily carry sparks and embers from fireworks large distances into dry vegetation," Phil Marsh says.

The Strath Taieri zone will move to a restricted fire season.

A restricted fire season means anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire will need to apply for and obtain a permit. You can apply for one at www.checkitsalright.nz.

People should visit the website before lighting any type of fire anywhere over summer, to check the conditions and what they are allowed to do in their area.