Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has changed restrictions on outdoor fires and fireworks around Wānaka from Thursday April 10 until further notice.

The Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones move from a prohibited to a restricted fire season, which means people can light open air fires if they have a permit authorised by FENZ. 

The fireworks ban in the Lakes zone has also been revoked.

"Lower temperatures and increased dew over the last fortnight have reduced the fire risk in these areas," FENZ Otago District acting manager Craig Geddes said.

"This means there is less dry vegetation readily available to burn. However, fires can start and spread year-round in our district, so restrictions on fires are still necessary.”

Special risk zones will remain in a prohibited fire season. These areas are Lake Wānaka islands, Mt Iron, the Albert Town reserve, Queenstown, and Lake Wakatipu islands.

People can apply for a permit and check the fire risk conditions in their area here. The website also provides advice on how to conduct controlled burns safely.

PHOTO: Wānaka App