The Selwyn District Council is introducing a restricted fire season from Guy Fawkes Day on Wednesday.
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Douglas Marshall said the fire risk had increased in the past two weeks because of dry weather.
Under the restricted fire season, only gas barbecues, crop burn-offs and rubbish fires inside contained drums are allowed in rural areas of Selwyn. Any other fires can be lit only if a permit has been obtained
Mr Marshall said although paddocks in the district looked green, the soil and vegetation close to the soil was much dryer than usual at this time of year.