Southland's restricted fire season ended at 8am this morning (21 April).

Fire and Emergency District Manager Julian Tohiariki says the recent weather conditions have caused this season change.

"Recent rainfall across the district has reduced the risk of wildfires, and we’re comfortable that permits are not needed at this time," he said.

"It has been an unusually dry season, and we appreciate the fact that our communities have understood the need for the prohibited season over the past few weeks."

An open fire season means permits will no longer be required to light open-air fires.

However plantation forests, Awarua Wetlands, and Department of Conservation land will remain in a restricted fire season, meaning a permit is required to light a fire in the open air.

For more fire safety advice go to www.checkitsalright.nz.