The large fire has grown to 85 hectares. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency NZ
Significant winds have seen an out-of-control forest fire near Canterbury's Waipara jump to 85 hectares in size.
The fire has been burning since Thursday and it was hoped that Fire and Emergency would be able to get it put out by the weekend.
But strong winds saw the fire break its containment line on Sunday and it moved from 40ha in size to 85.
FENZ Incident Commander Des Irving told Morning Report the fire was currently burning in trees and ember travelling was creating spot fires.
Ground crews, helicopters, a drone team and heavy machinery was all being used in the response.
Helicopters were being used in the response. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency NZ
"This will be a long duration event and we expect to be here for most of the week," Irving said.
Irving said crews had experienced "significant wind issues" on Monday morning and more was expected.
There was currently an orange level strong wind warning in place by MetService for Canterbury High Country, the Canterbury coast and Plains south of Ashburton, as well as North Otago.
On Sunday, 30 kilometre winds and strong gusts had seen embers travel and create spot fires - with ash travelling as far as 2.5km south of the fire.
The blaze began on Thursday. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency NZ
Because of this, Irving said FENZ was doing assurance patrols.
State Highway 1 and 7 were close to the fire, he said, and people in the area were urged to be cautious.
Anyone in nearby homes was told to call 111 if they had any concerns and be ready to go if needed.
In Canterbury, Irving said FENZ was asking that people do not light fires at all at this time.
A fire investigator had been at the scene at the weekend and the investigation into how it started was in its early stages.
