Very dry conditions including in Wānaka have prompted a total ban on outdoor fires. Photo: Fire and Emergency NZFire and Emergency NZ has declared a prohibited fire season for the Queenstown Lakes District. Map of the Lakes Zone. Image: Fire and Emergency NZVegetation in inland Otago was very dry and would burn easily, and March was predicted to be drier than normal. "The vegetation across the Lakes Zone is primed and ready to burn.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 10, 2026 21:51 UTC