The Upper Clutha is now in a restricted fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says. 

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

The area was under a prohibited fire season from mid-January until the change to restricted yesterday (Monday March 7), but FENZ Otago district manager Phil Marsh says residents should not be complacent.

The risk of wildfire is always present, he said.

"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," Phil said.

The change in level applies to the Lake Zone (the land west and north of Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, and the land surrounding Lake Wakatipu and the Nevis Valley) and the Central Zone (Upper Waitaki, Lower Mackenzie Basin, Upper Clutha, Manuherekia, Maniototo and part of the Strath Taieri).

Phil issued a reminder that there are several places within the Lakes Zone are always subject to a total fire ban, as they are in prohibited season year-round. These include the Queenstown Red Zone, Coronet Forest and several islands on lakes Wānaka and Hāwea.

You can check the fire danger and apply for a fire permit here.

“We encourage all people planning on lighting a fire to check the current weather conditions on [the Check It’s Alright website] and if it is windy, please don’t light a fire.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App