People in Canterbury are urged to be vigilant with the weather posing a high fire risk

It comes after a number of scrub fires in the region, with crews returning to a fire near Canterbury's Hurunui River at first light this morning.

As of last night, the fire was contained and controlled but not out.

Incident Controller Bruce Janes says any fire that sparks is taking off quickly due to the high temperatures, dry conditions and north westerly winds.

He says by the time crews arrive, the fire is well established -- and they don't get the critical first hour knock-down they might get at other times of the year.