Southlanders lighting uncontrolled fires are earning the wrath of rural fire managers

District Principal Rural Fire Officer, Timo Bierlin says it's frustrating the fires are happening during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Southland is in an open fire season - but the public has been asked to hold off from burning rubbish, stubble or garden waste in rural areas until the lockdown is lifted.

Bierlin says blazes can get away from people and even the smoke can prompt emergency calls - which means firefighting volunteers have to leave their bubbles.