Canterbury's fire season is being upgraded to a total fire ban.
Fire and Emergency says Canterbury is very dry. Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps
The region has been in a restricted season since November and from Friday night, a total fire ban will apply in Selwyn, Waimakariri, Christchurch and Hurunui.
It means any fire permits also will be suspended.
Fire and Emergency says Canterbury is very dry.
The acting Principal Rural Fire Officer, Al Hutt, said there had been a few vegetation fires get out of hand recently, which needed significant resources to bring under control.
He said it was important that people carefully considered the dangers of activities involving machinery.