A wet start to summer saw vegetation flourish, but that is not a fire danger. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
A restricted fire season has been declared for Dunedin and Clutha from tomorrow morning until further notice.
Anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency NZ.
Fire and Emergency Otago district manager Phil Marsh said an uncharacteristically damp and cool start to summer had resulted in a lot of grass growth which is now rapidly drying off.
"Our summer has been a mixed bag so far, with very wet days interspersed with strong winds and calm, warm days.
"This means there is an abundance of flammable vegetation in the Dunedin and Clutha areas, which is ready to ignite again only a few hours after being wet."
With less rain forecast over the next few weeks, vegetation will continue to dry out and the fire danger will continue to increase.
"The areas we're imposing restrictions on have a history of significant vegetation fires even in the milder conditions we're experiencing this season.
"We're asking everyone to go to checkitsalright.nz before lighting any outdoor fires or engaging in heat or spark generating activities, such as using power tools and mowing long grass.
"The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity, provides fire safety advice, and tells you what fire restrictions your location is under if you aren't sure."
Anyone wanting to apply for a permit for an outdoor fire can also do so at checkitsalright.nz.
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