The fire in North Canterbury has been burning since Thursday. Photo: Supplied / Fire and Emergency NZ
- The blaze in the forestry block began on Thursday.
- It is 85 hectares in size.
- The blaze was not threatening any nearby properties.
- All outdoor fires have been banned in Canterbury until next Monday due to warm windy conditions.
Crews have managed to keep a fire contained to a forestry block where it is burning in North Canterbury overnight, despite high winds fanning flames.
The fire had been burning since Thursday and it was hoped Fire and Emergency would be able to put it out by the weekend.
However, strong winds saw the fire break its containment line on Sunday night and it grew from 40 hectares in size to 85.
Incident commander Brian Keown said crews would continue to try and contain the blaze on Tuesday.
"The fire remains within the forestry block and at this stage there is no threat to nearby property or structures," he said.
"From a weather perspective it is blowing northwest currently, and about mid-afternoon we are due for a south-west change.
"We are actively working on containment lines to prevent a southwest change kicking the fire in a different direction.
We've got 75 personnel, supported by 2 dozers, 2 diggers and tankers working hard, and we've got 5 helicopters on site to use as required." he said.
Metservice forecasts for Tuesday were for northwesterlies, but no wind warnings were in place.
Keown said the local community had been very supportive and understanding.
"We obviously make a bit of noise, and we are in the area, and they've been very supportive.
"There's been food dropped off at the station and we've pushed that up to fire ground, so we are very grateful for that" he said.
All outdoor fires have been banned in Canterbury until next Monday due to warm, windy conditions.
Fire and Emergency declared a prohibited fire season for the Canterbury District.
It said all previously granted fire permits were no longer valid.
