Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Fire and Emergency warns people in Canterbury to take particular care on Friday not spark an unwanted fire after a long dry spell and with temperatures spiking.
Temperatures were expected to reach the high twenties in much of Canterbury on Friday, which follows a long period without rain.
Fire and Emergency community risk manager Dean Harker said vegetation became easier to ignite as it dried out so things like a spark from a mower blade hitting a stone or a hot exhaust parked in long grass could cause a fire.
For that reason farmers should also avoid burning stubble on Friday right across the Canterbury region, Harker said.
His team was closely monitoring the factor which would underpin a decision to introduce fire restrictions in Canterbury.
"We are not at that threshold yet but some parts of Selwyn, Waimakariri and Christchurch are getting close."
Some parts of the wider Canterbury region were already under restrictions and people were advised to look at the [www.checkitsalright.nz Check it's Alright] website before lighting a fire or fireworks.