The fire risk across much of Otago has eased, but there are still concerns about the fire danger in Central Otago, parts of the upper Clutha and the Waitaki district.
Lower temperatures and heavy dew had helped lessen the fire risk in some areas, and four out of the five zones within the Otago Rural Fire Authority would be placed in a restricted fire season from today.
Fire permits could be issued in those areas, principal rural fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said.
Although the Otago-wide ban has been lifted, fires remain prohibited in the authority's Central zone, which includes Central Otago, parts of the upper Clutha and the Waitaki district.
Dr Rotarangi said the fire danger in that zone was still of concern. Under a restricted fire season, permits could be issued for fires.
Dr Rotarangi said rural fire officers would be taking a cautious approach to applications for permits and landowners could expect some applications to be declined.
''The drought codes in Otago remain high - it will only take a little wind or higher temperatures for the fire danger to go up again.''
She was grateful that Otago residents had been ''patient and conscientious'' during the total fire ban, lessening the risk of wildfires, and common sense was still required.
The zones and updated information can be viewed online at the authority's website: www.otagoruralfire.org.nz Landowners can enter their address to see the fire season status that relates to their property and the conditions of each season, or phone 0800-673-473 during work hours.
