Firefighters battle blaze near SH1 in Burnham, Canterbury

6:09 pm today
Flames above the trees can be seen from the motorway.

Flames from the fire could be seen on State Highway one. Photo: Tasha O Driscoll / Supplied

Three homes have been evacuated and a shed has been destroyed by a fire near State Highway 1 near Burnham in Canterbury.

Fire and Emergency was initially called to multiple grass fires near the intersection with Telegraph Road at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Photos on social media showed flames leaping into pine trees and huge plumes of smoke billowing into the air.

Five helicopters, 22 trucks, tankers and support vehicles were working on the blaze, which was not contained or controlled.

People were urged to avoid the area and follow the instructions of firefighters.

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