10 crews called to large fire in Rangiora

Crews were called to the fire on Smarts Rd in Rangiora at about 6.15am on Tuesday. Photo / NZH

Fire chiefs have issued a warning on dangerous conditions in Canterbury today, warning locals to check their properties ahead of predicted high temperatures and gale force winds.

A post on the Canterbury FENZ Facebook page said temperatures in the region were already 20C at 7am on Tuesday.

The weather is forecast to be a hot and dry throughout most of the country today with temperatures in parts of Canterbury expected to push 30C.

"Winds are expected to reach gale force, so if you have had a permitted fire in the last couple of weeks (other than crop stubble) we ask that you check the piles and ensure they are extinguished. As the wind is likely to stir something up."

FENZ is also reminding people that permitted or approved fires are not to be lit in high winds.

Ten fire crews have already battled a large vegetation fire in North Canterbury this morning as temperatures across the country skyrocket.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said they were called to the fire on Smarts Rd in Rangiora at about 6.15am on Tuesday.

"We received a report of trees on fire and when crews from Rangiora arrived they asked for further resources as they could see flames in the top of some macrocarpa trees."

The fire had spread to 30x5m of hedge and 30m of grass before it was contained.

Three crews from Rangiora, two from Swannanoa, two from Waikuku Beach, two from Woodend and one from Pines Beach attended the fire.

"There were no evacuations or threat to life," the spokesman said.