Cycling and walking tracks in the popular recreation forest, 26km south of Oamaru, had been closed for a fortnight due to the high risk of fire, Port Blakely Ltd production and protection forester Nick Henderson said.
The closure would not be reviewed until there had been significant rainfall, Mr Henderson said.
Increased heat and dryness were the main reasons for the closure of the 1600ha forest that has walking and mountain biking tracks.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand group manager Michael Harrison agreed Herbert Forest, a private forestry block, was a high fire risk.
"If a fire started there, it would be a really large and intense fire," Mr Harrison said.
"It would be extremely difficult to put out."
The closure of Herbert Forest came a fortnight after a total fire ban was introduced throughout Otago, also because of fire risk.
Increased rain in spring followed by a long, hot, dry period created extremely dry vegetation which was easy to ignite and difficult to put out, Mr Harrison said.
All outdoor fires are banned, including stubble and vegetation fires.
Despite the rainfall this week, he called on people to stay vigilant.
Most people were complying with the restrictions, although firefighters attended some backyard and camp fires, he said, urging everyone to comply.
"We don’t want to be dragging volunteer firefighters away from their families and places of work for no good reason."
To reduce the chance of a fire, people mowing lawns, grinding or welding should do it in the morning when there was more moisture on the ground, he said.
"The main message is, if you do see smoke or fire, call 111 immediately."
For further information on the fire restrictions go to www.checkitsalright.nz
Despite the closure of Herbert Forest, the Herbert Forest Camp Ground is still open.
- All Waitaki fire brigade stations had lowered their flags to half-mast as a sign of respect for the Muriwai, Auckland, firefighters who died while attending a callout during Cyclone Gabrielle, Mr Harrison said.
"Brigades are also holding a minute’s silence at the start of their training nights to acknowledge the loss of our two colleagues, reflect on their sacrifice and think about our own service to our communities."
By Jules Chin
