There's a total fire ban in Rangitīkei from 8am on Wednesday, February 12, and all existing fire permits have been suspended.
The declaration of a prohibited fire season for the Rangitīkei, Manawatū and Palmerston North districts follows a huge vegetation fire at Santoft, west of Bulls, at the weekend.
"A prohibited fire season means no fires are permitted as the fire danger is too high," principal rural fire officer Bradley Shanks said.
"During a prohibited fire season only gas and charcoal barbecues can be used.
"The fire on Brandon Hall and Pukepapa roads over the weekend is an example of why people need to be extra careful in these hot and dry conditions."