A uniform restricted fire season will be imposed throughout Otago fire zones this weekend as vegetation flourishing after recent rain dries out.
From Saturday, open fires in the region will only be allowed with a permit. In past years, drier zones, such as Central Otago, have gone into restricted seasons earlier than others.
Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Philip Marsh said making it uniform at this time meant people could apply "nice and early" for permits around the Christmas period.
"It also means there will be no ambiguity for people travelling between zones for the holidays."
It offered the opportunity for controlled burns with permits before the region moved into a total fire ban season, he said.
While there had been a lot of rain in the region, this had encouraged the growth of vegetation which could be fuel for fires.
Recent winds in parts of the region had dried out this fuel, increasing the fire risk, he said.
People should clear vegetation near their homes and keep lawn mowing to mornings and nights, he said.
During a restricted season, gas cookers, gas barbecues and fires in permanent fireplaces are allowed without a permit.
