There has already been a spate of unnecessary callouts for controlled burns, Fire and Emergency said, and people must advise the service if they were planning a burnoff.
Shift manger Lyn Crossan said fire restrictions covered most of the island, so permits were required for burnoffs.
Crossan said it was dry in many parts of the South Island but thankfully, it wasn't too hot or windy.
Meanwhile, Otago's top rural firefighter is urging common sense and caution during the holiday period. Large grass fires affected the region even before summer started.
Graeme Still said the fire danger was relatively low at present, but that could change quickly if strong winds dried out vegetation.
Still said people should enjoy their holidays, but needed to take precautions and ensure fires were out before leaving a site.
Fire and Emergency said last summer, out-of-control land-clearing and camping fires contributed to the destruction of 2070 hectares of bird habitat.
In addition, sparks from machinery and equipment caused wildfire that destroyed 2655ha of bird habitat.
Campfires played a part in the destruction of 4725ha of bird habitat, according to Fire and Emergency.
• You can check the fire danger in your area by using NIWA's fire weather website.
