The Department of Conservation may prosecute a person who recently lit a campfire along the Queenstown-Glenorchy road.
Trevor Mitchell, Doc deputy principal rural fire officer, said the incident was a reminder of the extreme fire risk at this time of year.
''A total fire ban is in place for all of the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts, and we take breaches of total fire bans very seriously,'' Mr Mitchell said.
Penalties for breaching a total fire ban include up to six months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $2000, as well as having to pay the costs of putting out any fire and replacing property damaged or destroyed.
''Very dry conditions are being experienced, particularly in Central Otago and Wanaka areas, and there is an above-normal fire risk,'' Mr Mitchell said.
Visitors could check the current fire risk at Doc visitor centres or by visiting the local council website.
Doc is asking people to report any unattended fires by calling 111.
