Most of Otago is now in an open fire season.

Restricted fire seasons that were in place for Upper Waitaki, the Lakes, Central, Alpine, and Strath Taieri fire zones have been lifted today (March 30), while Coastal Waitaki, Clutha and Dunedin moved from a restricted to open fire season last Tuesday (March 21).

Naseby remains in a restricted fire season.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago district manager Phil Marsh said lower temperatures and wetter conditions have reduced the fire risk across Otago, allowing for the easing of restrictions, but some risk still remains.

“Despite recent and forecast wet weather meaning we’re able to lift fire controls, grass and other fine vegetation can still quickly dry out and become flammable,” he said.

“We still have several areas that remain quite dry, and there will be days during the rest of autumn and even winter where the fire risk will be enough for a fire to get out of control.

“Care is always required by anyone lighting fires to ensure the fire stays under control - it is never a good idea to light outdoor fires on a windy day.

“We encourage all people planning on lighting a fire to check if they need a permit, and for the current weather conditions on www.checkitsalright.nz.”

Open fires are still not permitted in the following locations, which are in a year-round prohibited fire season: Shag Point (Waitaki), Ruby Island, Stevensons Island, Mou Waho Island, and Mou Tapu Island (Lake Wanaka), Mount Iron and Albert Town Recreational Reserve (Wanaka), Pig and Pigeon Islands (Lake Wakatipu), Queenstown Red Zone and Coronet Forest (Queenstown), and Bucklands Crossing (Dunedin).