FENZ  crews will closely monitor a fire burning in a forestry block north of Waipara in Canterbury overnight.with high winds forecast

Crews say increasing high winds will likely see the fire size increase overnight.

They say at this stage there is no threat to nearby property or structures,

Helicopters and heavy machinery will be on site ready to continue battling the blaze in the morning.

All outdoor fires are now banned in Canterbury until next Monday 9 September.