Canterbury fires: Firefighters on scene early to clean up aftermath of devastating blazes

Firefighters are continuing to dampen hotspots during the aftermath of the three large vegetation fires in North Canterbury that destroyed two homes and a church.

People have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the two fires that started on Friday afternoon in Loburn, close to Rangiora, and in Amberley.

Yesterday, another large scrub fire on the Waimakariri River near the Canterbury village of Swannanoa, northwest of Christchurch, scorched an estimated 12 hectares.

During the last phase of clean-up, firefighters are working at the fireground located on Loburn Whiterock Rd.

Today, three crews are searching for and putting out hotspots in the region.

Commencing on Friday afternoon, the Loburn fires consumed almost ten hectares, resulting in the destruction of two houses, a church, 10 sheds, numerous cars, and various pieces of machinery.

Aerial shots show the damage caused by two large vegetation fires in Loburn, North Canterbury. Photo / George Heard

Many hotspots at the vegetation fire on Racecourse Rd in Amberley were put out by firemen working through the night.

Five teams are back on the ground today to continue their job, with the help of one digger and tankers.

Residents in the vicinity were forced to leave their houses when the Friday afternoon Amberley fire broke out and burned an area that was about one kilometre by 500 metres.

Fire fighters dampen down hot spots in a large bush fire around the Waimakariri River near Seannanoa.. Photo / Canterbury Fire & Emergency

Meanwhile, around the Waimakariri riverbed, a vegetation fire spanning an estimated 12 hectares is being suppressed by six fire crews,

Two heavy diggers are supporting them. The fire that started yesterday is contained and under control.

Cordons will remain in place until the fire is extinguished. The causes of all three fires are being investigated.

Firefighters are battling a vegetation fire in the Waimakariri River bed at Diversion Rd, Swannanoa, Canterbury. Photos / Cameron Avery

Resident Elizabeth du Plessis, who lost her property to the fire, told the Herald she’s devastated.

“It started around 2pm [Friday], I was busy with payments in the office and someone knocked down the door almost to say your property is on fire.

“Now today, we are evaluating the property; that’s our livelihood,” Du Plessis said.

Firefighters continue to work to extinguish two large vegetation fires in North Canterbury today. Photo / George Heard

Resident George Gooderham told the Herald he was painting inside his property when he smelled smoke and went outside to see his whole hedge on fire.

“It came too close to comfort really.

“I’ve been awake all night, pretty much had about an hour’s sleep, just trying to find hotspots and ensuring that the wind didn’t pick up and keep it going,” Gooderham said.

Properties were destroyed in the Loburn fires in North Canterbury. Photo / George Heard

Loburn resident Sarah Rowbotham said she and other people scrambled to rescue horses from a nearby field as the fire spread.

“We just got in and did it; you don’t think about what’s around you, just to get them to safety,” Rowbotham said.

Buildings and property have been destroyed by two large vegetation fires in North Canterbury. Photo / George Heard.

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.