Farmers are being warned to take care during burn-offs, as the region dries out in an unusual spell of dry autumn weather.
Overnight on Wednesday, 12mm of rain fell on Wanganui - the greatest amount of rain in a single day since February - but Wanganui's deputy principal rural fire officer, Richard Terrey, said the rain did little more than dampen the ground.
"We need a lot more rain than that," he said.
The district's fire risk was raised to high on April 5, and a restricted fire season is being considered for South Taranaki, Rangitikei and Manawatu, Mr Terrey said.
He said it was particularly dry in the coastal strip from Waverley to Himatangi Beach.