All fire permits are suspended in the Queenstown Lakes District - as hot and windy weather has raised the fire risk to extreme

The zone is already in a Restricted Fire Season, so the suspension means no outdoor fires can be lit from 8am today till 9pm Sunday.

District Commander Craig Gold says they're at a critical point in the season - where any outdoor fire would cause an unacceptable risk.

He says people carrying out activities that can generate sparks, like grinding or welding, should take extra care to do this well away from vegetation - and activities like mowing and harvesting should be done in the early morning or evening.