Scorching temperatures have forced Fire and Emergency New Zealand to impose a total fire ban across Otago and Southland.
Many parts of the country are tinder dry and Fenz is calling for people to be extra vigilant because the fire risk is higher than ever.
Rural regional manager Mike Grant said a total fire ban was put in place in Southland on Sunday as temperatures reached a record 32degC.
Fire restrictions were already in place for some parts of Otago before a total fire ban was imposed last night for the entire region, which included the Catlins, Clutha, coastal Otago and Lakes districts, he said.
Conditions had been "incredibly dry'' and soil-moisture levels were very low.
"We've had a few millimetres of rain here and there over the past six weeks, but the grass and vegetation is still tinder dry.