The warning from Mark Mawhinney comes after Fenz warned high temperatures and strong winds could create fires that "pose a threat to life and property".
A high fire danger warning for this week was issued yesterday for areas including Central Otago, the Mackenzie Basin and South Canterbury’s high country.
A warm air mass from Australia is expected to pass over the country next week, bringing very warm temperatures and gusty winds in some places.
Fenz wildfire manager Tim Mitchell said the conditions would drive up the fire risk particularly today, tomorrow and Wednesday in areas that were already dry.
"Fires in these conditions will start quickly, spread quickly and pose a threat to life and property", Mr Mitchell said.
Mr Mawhinney said dry grass easily caught fire in the windy and sunny conditions in Otago.
A recent fire in the Gibbston Valley started with burning cardboard, he said.
The fire got into the grass because it was a windy day and it got out of hand very quickly.
"People don’t realise how quickly a fire can get away from them."
It was important to put contingencies in place when lighting a fire, including setting up a hose with a nozzle and starting fires away from flammable objects and "dead dry grass", he said.
Mr Mawhinney said people should enjoy themselves and have fun but they should do their homework first.
"Check our website, have a chat with somebody and get some advice before you put a match in something.
"I would like everyone to question the need to have any type of fire or activity that would create enough heat to start a fire."
