Otago firefighters from multiple brigades had to respond to a number of vegetation fires in Central and Coastal Otago this afternoon, prompting Fire and Emergency NZ to activate its Region Coordination Centre in Dunedin.

Otago district commander Phil Marsh said strong winds, warm temperatures and low humidity were making some of the blazes challenging to contain.

This morning crews were called to a fire on State Highway 8 on the outskirts of Roxburgh, followed soon after by a second fire a few kilometres away on Wright Rd. 

It took firefighters from the Roxburgh, Dunstan, Millers Flat, Alexandra and Tapanui brigades, supported by two helicopters, two hours to bring them both under control.

The national media team said hotspots were still being dampened down four hours later.

At the same time, firefighters from Balclutha, Brighton, Lookout Point, Port Chalmers, Waihola and Wakari were working to contain a fire in forestry slash on Taieri Mouth Rd, Kuri Bush, south of Dunedin.

Shortly afterwards, a scrub fire was reported between Lawrence and Waitahuna, with firefighters from Lawrence, Waitahuna, Balclutha and Milton responding.

However, just after 3pm, Balclutha firefighters were called to a report of a slash fire spreading into trees.

Some parts of Otago were already in a restricted fire season, meaning permits are required to light outdoor fires. 

Even if no permit is needed, windy conditions were a clear signal to refrain from lighting a fire and to check old fire sites to make sure they are not reigniting.

People should always check the weather forecast and consult the www.checkitsalright.nz website before lighting outdoor fires.