Cause of Bridge Hill fire found, as wind fans flare-ups at West Melton fire

• Fire investigators have discovered the cause of the Bridge Hill fire in Canterbury, which burned 1000ha.
• The fire is now under control, with drone teams checking for hotspots and crews mopping up.
• Wind caused flare-ups at a West Melton vegetation fire, but firefighters prevented flames breaching containment lines.

By RNZ

Fire investigators have discovered the cause of a massive fire that raced across 1000ha of Canterbury high country over the past five days.

The Bridge Hill fire is now under control, with drone teams up overnight checking for hotspots.

Canterbury District Commander Dave Stackhouse told Morning Report investigators have found the cause and are working with police.

But he said it was too soon to announce the findings or to say if the fire was deliberately lit, as the investigation was still wrapping up.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they have spoken with schools that were holding camps in the area.

Stackhouse said crews would continue to mop up hotspots on Tuesday, and will meet with landowners on Thursday.

Meanwhile, wind caused flare-ups at the site of a large vegetation fire in West Melton overnight, but firefighters were able to prevent flames breaching containment lines.

Incident Commander Dave Key said the flare-ups happened when wind fanned partially burned vegetation and trees into flame.

Police are going from property to property as a large fire burns in West Melton tonight. Photo / Cam Avery

The fire, which began on Sunday night, has burned across more than 130ha.

Homes and a caravan park were briefly evacuated in the early hours of Sunday morning, but all were allowed home.

Crews were also at the nearby Kirwee fire, which has been burning since Saturday and is mostly contained.

There are 75 firefighters, two helicopters and heavy machinery operators extinguishing hotspots across the two fires.

Stackhouse said there are two fire investigators on site at West Melton on Tuesday working to find the cause of the blaze.

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