Restricted fire season lifted for Otago’s Clutha zone
1 March 2024
The restricted fire season for the Clutha zone has been lifted as of 8am Sunday 4 March, until further notice. Clutha fire zone has the same territorial boundaries as Clutha District.
Lakes, Central, Strath Taieri, Upper and Coastal Waitaki zones are still in a prohibited fire season and a restricted fire season remains in place for the Dunedin zone.
District Manager Phil Marsh says that conditions in the area have eased meaning the fire risk across the area has decreased.
"However, people should still take care because we expect unsettled weather through Autumn, with occasional strong dry winds," he says.
"Wind dries out vegetation quickly, making it easier to ignite, and if a fire starts, windy weather makes it more difficult to control and extinguish.
"We ask that you always get a long-range forecast prior to lighting any fires, and if windy conditions are forecast consider delaying your fire for a more suitable day", he says
Any person lighting a fire must take precautions to ensure the fire doesn’t get out of control. This obligation applies to everyone, all year round.
For tips on how to safely plan and manage a fire go to https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk and for up-to-date weather conditions and fire danger use the MetService app or go to MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi