Fire restrictions are being reduced in parts of the lower North Island as temperatures drop

The Wairarapa and Tararua Districts have today changed from 'prohibited' to 'restrictive' fire seasons - with permits needed to light fires.

Fire and Emergency says due to the current lockdown, they aren't visiting sites so permit applications could take longer.

Principal Rural fire officer Steve Wadsworth hopes anyone planning to light fires thinks carefully about the situation the country is in.