Fenz Waitaki district commander Craig Gold said outdoor fires would need a permit from today until further notice.
He said the zone stretched from just south of Palmerston to the Waitaki River and extended about 50km inland.
Inland Otago, including Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and northern parts of the Waitaki district, was already in a restricted fire season.
Mr Gold said the latest change in fire season reflected the increasing levels of fire risk around Otago.
"In spite of intermittent rain, vegetation is drying out rapidly and will burn readily.
"Declaring a restricted fire season means that farmers, contractors, forestry contractors and others can still carry out controlled burns on their land if they need to, but they will have a permit which provides clear guidelines and advice on how to use fire safely."
He said there were exemptions for cultural cooking fires, but other types of recreational fires like campfires and bonfires would also need a permit, obtained in advance.
He urged residents to visit www.checkitsalright.nz to find out the fire season status for any location in the country and get advice on how to use fire safely.
