Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
A restricted fire season is in force for the Otago Lakes region, with the danger of forest fires likely to reach very extreme in the coming week.
Fire and Emergency said the zone covers Queenstown and Wanaka. They now join Central and Upper Waitaki regions in having fire restrictions.
It means anyone wanting to light a fire in the open air will need a permit.
Fire and Emergency Otago district manager Phil Marsh said the risk of danger from forest fires was likely to increase from this weekend.
"This coming weekend and into the start of next week we are looking at a potential 'spike' period where forest fire danger will likely reach 'very extreme' in Lakes, Central and Upper Waitaki," Marsh said.
"For that reason, we have made the decision to move Lakes into a restricted fire season."
The restrictions are in place until further notice from Fire and Emergency.