More than 50 North Canterbury firefighters have contained an out-of-control hedge-fire in Rangiora, which saw one property evacuated as a precaution.
The Herald also understands one firefighter has been injured while battling the blaze.
A Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) spokesman said crews were called to Flaxton Rd about 2.30pm following “multiple calls” and found the blaze well-involved in about 200m of hedge line.
A hay barn was also alight upon arrival.
Two helicopters with monsoon buckets are assisting fire crews to extinguish the blaze, which has caused the evacuation of one property nearby as a precaution.
The spokesman said he didn’t expect any other properties to be evacuated.
Multiple road closures are in place, and the public are asked to stay away.
In an update shortly after 4.30pm, Fenz said the fire had been contained and the two helicopters were grounded.
“We’ve still got all our ground resources in attendance working to extinguish and dampen down the fire,” a spokesman said.
Crews would remain at the scene into the early evening and road closures remained in place.
One crew member has been treated for minor heat exhaustion.
In an earlier post to Facebook, Canterbury Fenz said it has attended “a number of out-of-control fires” on Wednesday.
“Do not light any fires this afternoon as the wind is forecast to become stronger. Please check on any previous fires to ensure they are fully extinguished,” the post read.
It said a number of structures were under threat due to the Flaxton Rd fire.
People are calling for free testing so people would drive safely.