Dry conditions have forced Central Otago into a prohibited fire season.

The Central, Naseby, Upper Waitaki, Lakes, Glendhu Bluffs and Lake Ōhau zones moved from a restricted to a prohibited fire season at 8am today.

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) made the announcement following a recent period of hot, dry and windy weather conditions.

Fenz Otago district manager Phil Marsh said westerly winds and a lack of widespread rain has dried out much of the vegetation across the district. 

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

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

That fire was attended by crews from five Central Otago fire brigades, along with helicopters carrying monsoon buckets, battled a blaze on a steep hillside above Lake Dunstan.

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

Fireworks are now also banned in the Central, Naseby, Upper Waitaki, Lakes, Glendhu Bluffs and Lake Ōhau zones under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, until further notice. 

Fireworks are now banned in some areas until further notice, due to dry conditions: IMAGE: Fenz

Fenz encourages residents to create safety zones for their homes as hot dry conditions persist, increasing the risk of fire.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Bobby Lamont said people could do that by keeping lawns mowed, cleaning their gutters and removing anything that could burn, including dried vegetation from their properties.

He said anything that was within close vicinity to a house that could fuel a fire, such as firewood should be removed.

Anyone planning on cranking up the barbecue should also take extra care by making sure there is a water source at hand, either a hose or a bucket of water.

In general, he said Central Otago residents were “really aware” of the fire danger and the risks at this time of year.

“I’d like to thank the communities of Central Otago for that.”

Bobby said it was also that time of year when farmers needed to check their machinery and tractors for birds nests.

And, people were also advised not to park in long grass because hot exhausts can set grass on fire.

Bobby encourages people to visit fireandemergency.nz where they can get some good fire safety advice, along with weather updates.