The Waitaki District Council is taking control of the cordon around the fire damaged village today but access will remain restricted for some time.
The fire in the Lake Ōhau village which started last Sunday destroyed 48 buildings and burnt through 5000 hectares.
Fire and emergency crews have had a small presence over the weekend, but the council will take control from midday.
The Waitaki district council says Lake Ōhau Road should be open for the public by late Monday afternoon.
Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher told RNZ reporter Charlotte Cook the cordon will be brought closer in to the site.
