A restricted fire season has started in the Marlborough District.

As of 8am today, anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire will need to apply for and obtain a permit.

Declaring the restricted fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Nelson Marlborough District Manager Grant Haywood said a wet spring and the start of summer has resulted in a high level of vegetation growth throughout Marlborough.

“While there is still some green vegetation throughout the District, it only takes a few hot and windy days to quickly dry this out and create a fast-moving fire,” Haywood said.

“A range of activities such as barbecuing and cultural cooking are still allowed during a restricted fire season,” he said.

Information on the local fire danger is accessible at both the Check It’s Alright and MetService websites.

“Even if you have a permit, we would expect anyone planning on lighting a fire to check the conditions, and hold off lighting, especially if it is windy and hot,” Haywood said.

“We know a substantial number of people will still be visiting the area over summer and we want to reduce the risk of fires as much as possible,” he said.