Today marks the beginning of fire-ban season for Central Otago as northwest winds dry the plains.
The yearly ban is designed to stop people from intentionally starting fires during a period of increased risk.
Otago Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Pete Scarlet said if the authority extinguished a fire during the ban and found someone had lit it intentionally, the culprits could have to pay the cost of fighting the fire.
Farmers who needed to burn organic waste would have to wait until winter, he said.
''They need to plan for these things. But they are pretty good - all the farmers out here are used to it.''
He said the winds had been worse than usual this year, hence the earlier start to the ban.
The Central region is from Wanaka in the west, Omarama in the north, Ranfurly in the east and Shingle Creek in the south. Queenstown is excluded.
Mr Scarlett's role is to co-ordinate the Central Fire Service and its volunteers.
''If we have a fire my job is to take control, direct the troops.''
He began his current role in July last year.
