At 8am this morning (4 February) the Southland region changed from an open fire season to a restricted fire season.

A restricted fire season means most fire types in the open will need a permit.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Timo Bierlin says the region is now at a point where a wildfire could easily start and spread out of control.

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"With these drier conditions, it only takes a spark to start a fire," Mr Bierlin says.

For more information about fire conditions and what you can and can’t do in your area, CLICK HERE.

What is a restricted fire season?

• Lighting a fire is riskier than normal during a restricted fire season and you need to get a fire permit from Fire and Emergency before you light a fire in open air. The fire permit issued to you will include specific conditions to help you light your proposed fire safely and prevent it from getting out of control and spreading.
• You also need to comply with city/district and regional council burning restrictions, including requirements relating to smoke nuisance and controls under the Resource Management Act.
• It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly light, or allow another person to light, a fire in open air without a fire permit, or not in accordance with the conditions of a fire permit, during a restricted fire season.
• Some types of fire may be allowed in your area without a permit during a restricted fire season. Check to see if you need a permit.
• There is an all year round restricted fire season on public conservation land – find out more here.