Firefighters will be working overnight as Five large fires burning out of control across the South Island, fanned by strong winds, have been contained, Fire and Emergency New Zealand says.
Earlier today, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1News all available volunteer firefighters were responding to the fires.
Crews at the fire at Broomfield near Amberley in North Canterbury "have been mopping up this afternoon", Fire and Emergency said in an update this evening. Three crews will be monitoring the fire overnight.
All residents downwind of the Broomfield fire on Racecourse Rd who were evacuated this afternoon have been allowed to return home.
Meanwhile, contractors have been felling trees following a woolshed and vegetation fire at Waipara. The fire was sparked by burn-off which became out of control about 11am. It was thought to have claimed a number of structures, including a house. The contractors are expected to finish their work around 9pm and a crew will monitor the fire overnight.
ire crews in Waipara have managed to save some homes in the path of an out-of-control burn-off, but some farm structures weren’t so lucky.
Earlier today, fire crews in Waipara have managed to save some homes in the path of an out-of-control burn-off, but some farm structures weren’t so lucky.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Danny Carmine said a hedge fire had "run into a house that been uninhabited for 30 years".
"We've lost that structure, we've lost a haybarn, but we've protected another house as well as a woolshed.
"We've evacuated one house, and we still have running grass fires and multiple hedges on fire."
Firefighters said a hedge fire burned down a house that had been uninhabited for 30 years as well as a haybarn. (Source: 1News)
He advised Cantabrians not to light any fires due to the "extreme high winds".
"Even though it has been raining in some parts of the week, it has been very, very dry – especially out in the country here."
Fire crews work to save homes in the path of an out of control burn of in Waipara, Canterbury. (Source: 1News)
A crew will also be monitoring a fire which flared up from an old burn-off at Springfield overnight.
In addition, a large grass fire 7km from Tekapō has since been extinguished and crews will inspect the fireground tomorrow morning. Earlier today, winds had reached 180kmh in the area, but a sudden downpour has helped firefighters get it under control.
Mid-South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands said the strong winds have lessened and the weather forecast is favourable for tomorrow.
FENZ crews following following the fire in Tekapo. (Source: 1News)
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