Coastal North Otago will move to a restricted fire season on Monday morning as the region dries out. Anyone planning to light an outdoor fire will need a permit from Fire and Emergency NZ. Inland Otago is already in a restricted fire season, including Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and northern parts of the Waitaki District. Fenz district commander Craig Gold said the move reflected the increasing levels of fire risk around Otago. There are exemptions for cultural cooking fires, but other types of recreational fires like campfires and bonfires would also need a permit, obtained in advance.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 16, 2026 08:16 UTC