The Central and Lakes zones in the Otago Fire District will move back to a restricted fire season at 8am on March 7 2022.

A restricted fire season means anyone wanting to light an open-air fire will need a permit and must follow the conditions of the permit.

Otago District Manager, Phil Marsh would like to remind people that while the fire danger has reduced, the risk of wildfires is always present.

"Heading into Autumn we will have more wet weather, helping to reduce the fire risk, however, this also means we will have strong winds which can cause fires to get out of control," he said.

Members of the public are reminded that several places within the lakes zone are always subject to a total fire ban, as they are in prohibited season year-round, such as the Queenstown red zone, Coronet forest and several islands on lakes Wānaka and Hawea."

The areas covered are detailed below:

• Central zone; which includes the upper Waitaki, lower Mackenzie Basin, upper Clutha, Manuherekia, Maniototo and part of the Strath Taieri.

• Lakes Zone; which includes the land surrounding Lake Wakatipu, the Nevis valley, and the land west and north of lakes Wānaka and Hawea.

You can check the fire danger and apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz

Fire and Emergency encourages all people planning on lighting a fire to check the current weather conditions and if it is windy, please don’t light a fire.