Fire restrictions in parts of the Southern Rural Fire District, which covers Southland, will be lifted from today.
District Principal Rural Fire Officer Mike Grant said weather conditions meant people living in "Zone A" areas could now burn without a fire permit.
"Responsibility is on the person lighting the fire to make sure it cannot escape.
"There is still a large amount of dry grass and vegetation around, so fires should not be lit on windy days or when wind is forecast."
Mr Grant also advised people to make sure smoke did not cause a nuisance to neighbours or create a hazard near roads.
A restricted fire season was still in place in Zone B areas.
In those areas, fires still needed a permit, with the exception of those in incinerators and offal holes, or barbecues.
Hedge and tree trimmings could also be burnt when the fire was 30m away from shelter belts, trees, fences or buildings, he said.
