Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning the public to be extra vigilant with the winds due to increase throughout the day.

It is urging people not to light any fires today.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson says the winds are forecast to be strong and gusting to 120km/h in some areas of Canterbury today. “So again we ask that people hold off lighting any fires today.“

“If a fire does occur in these weather conditions it is unlikely that we will be able to use aircraft to support our firefighting efforts, so containing and controlling the fire will be extremely difficult.”

The spokesperson says if people have had a fire over the last 5 days, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is encouraging them to check that it is fully extinguished, by turning the pile over and running some water over the ashes.

“If you have cleaned out your fire place recently, please ensure that the bucket of ashes isn’t close to any flammable materials, like hedges or houses.”