Fire and Emergency New Zealand district manager Nigel Dravitzki says the change in fire season is due to the recent wet weather which has lowered the risk of wildfire.
However, he reminds people to be careful when lighting fires as some parts of the region are still dry.
"Please don't be complacent when lighting fires - even though we are in an open fire season there are still some drier areas in the district with a higher fire risk," he says.
Before you light a fire please check the conditions at www.checkitsalright.nz.
Nigel Dravitzki also reminds people to check their old fires are fully extinguished.
"Recently there have been a few instances where we were called to incidents of old fires reigniting. Please double check that your old fires are completely cold and fully out."
For more fire safety information head to www.checkitsalright.nz.
