23 Oct 2024

Dozens of homes lose power as firefighters battle hedge blaze

5:22 pm on 23 October 2024
A hedge fire near Rangiora knocked out power to more than 100 homes in North Canterbury this afternoon.

Fire and Emergency at the scene. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

A hedge fire near Rangiora knocked out power to more than 100 homes in North Canterbury this afternoon.

Mainpower is reporting an unplanned outage for 133 customers in the vicinity of Flaxton Road, Mulcocks Road, Skewbridge Road and Lineside Road.

Firefighters were called to a hedge fire in Flaxton Road shortly before 2.30pm, and power has been out in the area since then.

The hedge fire near Rangiora that cut power to dozens of homes in the area.

The hedge fire near Rangiora that cut power to dozens of homes in the area. Photo: Supplied / Chris Buchanan

Fire and Emergency said it has been contained to one property and has not spread.

The occupants of the property were evacuated as a precaution, and a hay barn has been destroyed.

The two helicopters fighting the fire have since been grounded.

About 60 firefighters are working to dampen down the area and will remain onsite into the evening.

Road closures remain in place at the corner of Fernside and Flaxton Rd and the corner of Flaxton and Skewbridge Rd.

A hedge fire near Rangiora knocked out power to more than 100 homes in North Canterbury this afternoon.

Helicopters were called in to help. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

A hedge fire near Rangiora knocked out power to more than 100 homes in North Canterbury this afternoon.

A hedge fire near Rangiora knocked out power to more than 100 homes in North Canterbury this afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon