"This dry vegetation is fuel for a fire. If a wildfire does start, it could spread very quickly and be difficult to control."
It comes nearly a week after dozens of firefighters and three helicopters were called to a large scrub fire near Te Haroto, alongside State Highway 5, 10km south of Tarawera.
Mitchell said it was pleasing to see that people had been responsible with fire so far over the summer.
"Let's keep doing our part to prevent a wildfire."
Residents can still use gas or charcoal barbecues and have a hangi or umu, but are advised to follow the safety advice on checkitsalright.nz.