A total fire ban has been put in place for Southland as firefighters continue to battle a large scrub fire near Tuatapere

Fire and Emergency New Zealand have issued a total fire ban for the next two days as the region swelters in 30 degree Celsius temperatures.

A fire communications spokeswoman said firefighters were notified about 4pm on Sunday of a scrub fire of more than two hectares on a property on the Papatotara Coast Rd.

Two helicopters and five fire trucks were at the scene on Sunday, as well as the command unit from Invercargill, the spokeswoman said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand community and engagement co-ordinator Sally Chesterfield said firefighters returned early this morning to the property, where the fire was still burning.

Chesterfield said the fire had not grown since last night, but there were no guarantees it would not flare up again.

"It will really depend on the weather today, if it's hot and dry and the wind picks up, there's a chance we may lose control of it.

"They'll definitely be there all day today, and maybe tomorrow as well."

Chesterfield said the fire had started as a controlled burn.

A controlled burn was a very risky thing to do given the current conditions, Chesterfield said.

With the warm and dry conditions firefighters were preparing for a long night, she said.

The fire danger was set to rise with warm and dry conditions forecast for Monday.

"We're asking the public in general not to light any fires and to put out any existing fires and check fires from the last two months."