Fire and Emergency is asking farmers and lifestyle block owners to avoid burn-offs during lockdown to limit unnecessary call-outs.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Southland's principal rural fire officer Timo Bierlin said even well-controlled burns were causing issues, when people spot smoke and dial 111.
He said crews had already responded to five vegetation fires in the region since lockdown began, which could have been avoided.
"Brigades will always turn out to 111 calls and have the protective gear and procedures to do this safely.
"But we would like our firefighters to stay safe in their bubbles and not have to respond to avoidable fires just now," he said.
During the last alert level 4 lockdown people listened and reduced outdoor fires, but activity was still high during this lockdown, he said.
"We understand that many people will be using their time to get on with projects around the property and this might normally mean farmers clearing vegetation or people lighting a fire to get rid of greenwaste.
"We just ask that people do the right thing and hold off burning until we get out of lockdown."