A spate of grass fires across Canterbury this summer has prompted a district council to introduce fines for people who breach fire restrictions.
A large fire near Prebbleton in January cost the Selwyn District Council more than $100,000 to put out.
The council has approved a policy fining people $500 plus GST for lighting fires during a prohibited season.
The council says if the cost of responding to the fire is more than that, a higher charge may be imposed.
A prohibited fire season is in place throughout the Selwyn District. No fires can be lit except for gas barbeques and then only if the property is serviced by a high pressure water supply.
