A fire ban will be imposed across the Queenstown Lakes District from midnight tonight (Tuesday), QLDC rural fire chief Chris Gregory said.

The Council and the Department of Conservation have jointly declared the Prohibited Fire Season. The fire ban therefore applies to all townships as well as rural areas and DOC land.

"Under a Prohibited Fire Season all fires in the open air are not allowed, the only exceptions are gas barbeques and fires in approved permanent fireplaces," Mr Gregory said.

All existing permits were now withdrawn and new permits could not be issued during a Prohibited Fire Season.

Recent warm winds had further dried out vegetation and raised the long term danger level to extreme.

"It will take a significant amount of rain and cooler weather before the danger level drops.  Unfortunately the weather forecast does not predict such weather in the coming weeks," he said.

Residents and visitors were asked to be mindful of the danger levels and not light any fires and make sure cigarettes and matches were disposed of safely.

ENDS

For further information please contact Chris Gregory 0274 388 921.

By: Sarah