Fire restrictions are tightening in Canterbury

All areas north of the Rakaia River from the high country to the coast, are now officially in a prohibited fire season, with fire permits suspended and open-air fires banned.

Fire and Emergency Canterbury Senior Advisor Wayne Hamilton says recent fires are a timely reminder, with hot, dry conditions set to continue.

He says they show how dry Canterbury is at the moment, and how easily wild fire can occur and threaten a community.

Meanwhile permits are now required in the the mid-south Canterbury plains and coastal areas, moving to a restricted fire season today.