The district was placed into a restricted fire season due to the local State of Emergency following October’s severe weather event.
With this now lifted, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago District Manager Craig Geddes said it was appropriate for the fire season to return to open.
"The restricted season had the desired effect of limiting open air fires to only permit holders, which reduced the risk of fires escaping during a time when resources and infrastructure was stretched.
"I would like to say thank you to Clutha residents who applied for a permit and conducted their burns safely in accordance with permit conditions.
"As we are close to summer, we will continue to assess and issue fire permits in Clutha despite the open season, and any that we have issued remain valid for the period issued."
The original restriction came into effect on November 1.
At the time, Mr Geddes said the aftermath of the storms had created several new risk factors.
He said town water supplies were compromised, while heavy machinery was being used to help with the cleanup — both of which were key tools in fighting vegetation fires. Following the damage caused by the storm, Mr Geddes said another concern was the amount of fallen green vegetation across rural and residential areas.
"There is a lot of green vegetation that has fallen, and burning it can cause it to smoulder for long periods and present risk in the future during windy, dry periods over late spring and summer."
While the district is now in an open fire season, people should remain vigilant with their fire safety and consult www.checkitsalright.nz to check it is safe to light a fire.
