The Lakes Zone and Central Zone of the Otago Fire District have now moved to a prohibited fire season.

The change will come into effect at 8am today (Saturday January 15).

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) announced a change to a restricted fire season for the lakes zones on Wednesday (January 12), but the level of restriction has now increased.

While fire permits are required for most fire types during a restricted fire season, lighting fires in the open air is not permitted at all during a prohibited season.

FENZ Otago district manager Phil Marsh said the prohibited fire season means there is a high fire risk. 

No fire permits will be issued and those previously issued will no longer be valid.

"A damper start to the summer has seen significant vegetation growth which is now rapidly drying out. Lakes and Central are forecast to reach extreme fire danger over the coming weekend. If you see smoke please call 111," Phil said.

Holidaymakers may be less aware of the serious fire danger in Central Otago and Lakes Zone, Phil said. He encouraged them to use the ‘can I light a fire?’ tool.

"Locals will also need to consider the risks and current conditions before undertaking spark or heat-generating activities like mowing - please use the ‘reduce your risk’ tools,” he said.

The Lakes Zone includes the land west and north of Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, and the land surrounding Lake Wakatipu and the Nevis Valley. The Central Zone includes the Upper Waitaki, Lower Mackenzie Basin, Upper Clutha, Manuherekia, Maniototo and part of the Strath Taieri.

Find more information on what fire lighting activities you can undertake here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App