A new online tool to help understand fire risks around the country was launched on Saturday.
The Government says it's in part a response to climate change which means fires are a growing threat in New Zealand.
It's scenes like what was seen in Christchurch's Port Hills this past week that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) wants to see less of.
But they're not - because the fire season here is getting worse every year. It's starting sooner, lasting longer and firefighters wants Kiwis to wake up.
"We are getting hotter, drier conditions in this country - it's a global phenomenon, we're not immune from it," says FENZ's David Guard.
A new online tool on the FENZ website means Kiwis can check the fire risk of anywhere they're going.
Minister of Internal Affairs Jan Tinetti says it will also allow people to make sure they are permitted to light fires or whether a permit they have still exists at the time.
They've also launched a new wildfire prevention campaign using native birds as ambassadors to illustrate the wildlife that's at stake.
Last summer wildfires destroyed over 10,000 hectares of native bird habitat.
"It's very clear that no matter where you are in the country the risk is always there," Guard says.
Wildfires this year have already devastated some communities.
The Lake Ohau fire destroyed 5000 hectares and 48 buildings, melting water tanks and destroying power and water systems.
Ninety-nine percent of wildfires are started by people and it only takes a spark.
"Whether it's barbecuing, whether it's agriculture or machinery or really being silly with the likes of fireworks, think again," Guard says.
"And think about the devastating impact on other people, property, the environment that can be caused by fires that get out of control."
The Government says climate change is impacting all countries and we only need to see the devastating wildfire seasons across the ditch.
"It does send a warning to New Zealand and we do need to be aware of the dangers that we've seen in Australia," Tinetti says.
