The fire risk throughout Central Otago is high, due in part to some of the worst "fuel-loading" seen in recent years, Principal Rural Fire Officer Owen Burgess says.
A warm winter and wet spring had resulted in more vegetation growth than usual, which was starting to dry out and become fire fuel, he said.
"There's a heck of a lot of vegetation out there at the moment, and when that dries out it becomes perfect burning material. We call it high fuel-loading," he said.
A restricted fire season throughout Central Otago was imposed on November 17 and remains in place until further notice.
Mr Burgess said the risk of fire increased when vegetation started to dry out, especially after it had gone to seed, as the process dried it out completely.
He said with summer starting on December 1 it was going to be at least three or four months of hot, dry weather, and people needed to be cautious.
"The risk is only going to increase, and high winds make it worse," he said.
Mr Burgess said fire risk varied slightly from place to place within the district, with the Teviot Valley typically getting more rain than the Maniototo.
Regardless, he said all people needed to help reduce risk by keeping their lawns and sections mowed.
"This year's fuel-loading is worse than other years due to the weather. The rabbit population's also not as prominent as it used to be so vegetation is able to take hold," he said.
