Members of the brigade will deliver more than 250 flyers to households in Fernhill over the next few days.
The neighbourhood is surrounded by pine forest and scrub and with conditions tinder dry, any spark could set off an uncontrollable, potentially deadly fire.
Central-North Otago Fire Risk Management Officer Stu Ide said there was a severe fire risk at present "and we can’t see it getting any better".
"It’s critical people don’t light [outdoor] fires or set off fireworks — it’s crazy to let them off.
"And if they see fire or smoke, phone us straight away. It’s much easier to deal with a small fire than a big one."
From 8am yesterday a total fire ban covers the whole of Queenstown, including campfires, burn-offs and bonfires.
Bans had previously often been ignored on New Year’s Eve and Mr Ide urged caution.
"It’s the backyard fireworks that cause fires, especially when people up in Fernhill and up towards Twelve Mile are setting them off."
Outdoor fires include campfires, bonfires, rubbish fires and braziers. Enclosed gas BBQs and permanent outdoor fireplaces are allowed. A New Year’s Eve’s professional fireworks display in Queenstown Bay is covered by a special permit. Mr Ide said: "It’s over water and they employ spotters."
Meanwhile, Queenstown Lakes District Council and police are preparing for the influx of an expected 100,000 visitors over the holiday period, with more patrols, traffic management and free daytime parking at Warren Park, near the old Wakatipu High School on Fryer St. The liquor ban is in place from December 27 to January 6, with $250 fines.
The fire ban is not the first in the South Island. A total ban was imposed in Central Otago three weeks ago.
The total fire ban in the Queenstown Lakes area means any open fires in the Queenstown Lakes zone, as of 8am on Friday, will be illegal.
Open fires include campfires, burn-offs and bonfires, the Otago region’s principal rural fire officer Graeme Still reiterated.
The only fires that do not require a permit during the ban are enclosed outdoor fireplaces, pizza ovens or chimneys with a building permit; solid fuel barbecues with an enclosed ash pan and any gas-fired cookers.
