Nine helicopters, 20 Fire and Emergency trucks, and 40 firefighters are battling the Hurunui blaze. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Residents have been evacuated from their homes in rural North Canterbury as fire crews battle an uncontained bushfire.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said reports of the Island Hills fire on SH7 first came in at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Residents have been evacuated from their homes in rural North Canterbury as fire crews battle an uncontained bushfire. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency New Zealand
By Saturday evening the fire had grown to approximately 40 hectares, burning through mixed vegetation, said FENZ Assistant Commander Dave Key.
"The fire is currently 80 percent contained and 60 percent controlled.
"Multiple fire crews supported by nine helicopters have worked hard this afternoon to contain the fire," Key said.
Fire crews are expected to remain on the fireground overnight and over the coming days, he said.
Three nearby properties were evacuated, but no structures were lost in the fire.
The incident management team worked with local farmers to ensure no stock losses occurred, said Key.
NZTA closed SH7 near the Hope River Bridge in Island Hills at 3.30pm, warning motorists to take extra care due to fire on both sides of the highway and to follow directions from emergency services on site.
UPDATE 3:30PM
— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) February 15, 2025
SH7 is now CLOSED near Hope River Bridge. Follow the directions of emergency services on-site, delay your journey or consider an alternative route. ^EH https://t.co/TCyN1HAobk pic.twitter.com/QRfxOtnQKw
"We are working with New Zealand Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi to reopen the road once it's safe to do so," Key said.
By Saturday evening the fire near Hurunui grew to approximately 40 hectares, burning through mixed vegetation. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency New Zealand
"We would like to sincerely thank the local community and members of the public who have been impacted by the road closures.
"We ask the public to be cautious and keep checking the fire danger at checkitsalright.nz."
There are fire investigators on the scene, he said, but the cause of the blaze is unknown.
Key asked anyone with information or photos regarding the fire to contact Fire and Emergency or the New Zealand Police.
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