The upper Waitaki region is now in a prohibited fire season. 

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on outdoor fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The announcement comes after a restricted fire season was declared in Upper Waitaki last Friday, along with Dunedin, Clutha, Strath Taieri, and Coastal Waitaki.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager James Knapp said the ongoing and forecasted dry weather for Upper Waitaki has prompted the change.

"Very dry weather is predicted in Upper Waitaki over the next month, and any rain that is forecasted will evaporate quickly," he said.

Large fires could get out of control at any time of the year in the Otago area, but the predicted hot, dry weather was likely to increase the risk of this happening.

"The long history of large fires in recent years shows how careful we need to be, particularly at this time of year," he said.

Locals and people visiting the area during the prohibited season needed to be vigilant, especially when operating 4WD vehicles and camping in grassland areas, he said.

"It only takes one spark to cause a wildfire, so please do your bit this summer to take care of Upper Waitaki."

You can find information about what you can and can’t do during a prohibited fire season as well as fire safety tips at www.checkitsalright.nz.