The Waitaki region, on the east coast of the South Island, is the latest to declare a fire ban.
The local council said due to extremely dry conditions, a total urban fire ban will take effect from midnight tonight in all towns, including Oamaru.
The council's emergency manager, Jane Lodge, said all current urban fire permits had been revoked, and no more will be issued until further notice.
She said there is a high risk of fires being sparked by accidental ignition from stone strike on machinery, or hot engines.
