Canterbury fires doused by overnight rain

Fire crews are heading back to several wildfire sites across Canterbury to extinguish remaining hot spots and continue the clean-up.

A number of fires broke out across Canterbury and Marlborough on Saturday as strong winds and high temperatures fuelled dangerous conditions.

Fire and Emergency said overnight rain and lighter winds helped contain the blazes.

Crews will spend Sunday mopping up affected areas and ensuring any lingering hot spots were fully extinguished.