The Eastern Bay is now in a restricted fire season until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.

Announcing the fire season change yesterday, Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Luke Burgess said the recent warm and dry weather meant the fire risk across the region had increased.

"In these conditions, fire will travel fast and will be difficult for our crews to extinguish.

"Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns."

The public can apply for a permit, obtain safety tips and find out more information at www.checkitsalright.nz

Mr Burgess said although some isolated rain was forecast, it would be predominantly dry, hot and windy which increased the fire danger.

"We are asking the public to take extra care during these conditions."