Fire and Emergency New Zealand is changing the restrictions for outdoor fires throughout Marlborough at 8am on Thursday 24 April, until further notice.

The Marlborough South area will move from a prohibited to a restricted fire season, which means all outdoor fires need a permit approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The Marlborough North area will move from a restricted fire season to an open fire season, which means people can light outdoor fires without an approved permit.

All Department of Conservation land in Marlborough remains in a restricted fire season.

Nelson Marlborough Group Manager Chris Hayles says recent rainfall has lowered the fire danger in both areas, although the southern area is still drier after a hot summer.

"There has been new grass growth across Marlborough, but long dry grass can enable fire to move extremely fast in windy conditions," he says.

"It’s still critically important that people lighting permitted fires comply with the conditions required.

"Even where no fire permit is required, the person lighting the fire has a responsibility to do this safely.

"Fires need to be kept to a manageable size and not allow smoke drift to become a hazard for motorists.

"If you’re not sure what the fire season is in your location, go to checkitsalright.nz to find out, and follow the advice provided."

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