The Southern district restricted fire season is set to move to an open fire season this Friday.
Southern district principal rural fire officer Timo Bierlin said peope need to think and plan ahead and take responsibility for any fires they light.
An open season is in place for all of Southland, except around the Awarua/Waituna wetlands, where fire permits are required all year round and Zone B areas around high-value conservation and forestry which is in a restricted fire season all year round.
“There is always risk associated with using fires regardless of the time of year and how wet it may appear. Wind is the biggest factor that catches people out” Mr Bierlin said.
