Fire and Emergency crews battle a large vegetation fire on State Highway 7 at Island Hills in North Canterbury. Photo / Fire and Emergency
Fire and Emergency crews battle a large vegetation fire on State Highway 7 at Island Hills in North Canterbury. Photo / Fire and Emergency
Firefighters will remain on the scene of a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury which has ballooned in size and forced evacuations of homes this afternoon.
In an update this evening, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews would continue battling the blaze on the Lewis Pass Rd, State Highway 7, over the coming days.
It has forced the closure of the highway, one of three main mountain passes through the Southern Alps.
Assistant Commander Dave Key said the fire had grown to about 40 hectares, after being reported at 5ha about 5pm, but was 80% contained and 60% controlled.
Three nearby properties were evacuated earlier. Key said crews protected the structures and they were saved from the fire.
A Fire and Emergency spokesman said reports of the Island Hills fire first came in at 2.30pm today.
“Crews are working to contain a large vegetation fire.
“We believe the fire is heading towards structures and plantations of trees, but crews are working to protect those areas and limit any damage possible.”
Nine helicopters have joined the effort to tackle the bush fire. Photo / Fire and Emergency
All houses in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.
Nine helicopters, 20 fire trucks and around 40 firefighters were battling the rural blaze as of 3.50pm.
One person on social media described the fire at Island Hills as “spreading fast”. Photo / Fire and Emergency
“There are road closures in the area, so we advise the public to keep clear of the area while we carry out the operation,” he said.
One person on social media described the fire as “spreading fast”.
“This is right beside Glenn Wye Station entrance, hope they can save the houses.”
UPDATE 3:30PM SH7 is now CLOSED near Hope River Bridge. Follow the directions of emergency services on-site, delay your journey or consider an alternative route. ^EH https://t.co/TCyN1HAobkpic.twitter.com/QRfxOtnQKw
— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) February 15, 2025
Crews from Hanmer Springs, Culverden, Springs Junction and Waiau fire stations are attending the bush fire.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advised motorists that SH7 was closed near Hope River Bridge in Island Hills at 3.30pm.
“Due to a fire on both sides of the highway, take extra care when travelling through the area and follow the directions of any emergency services on-site,” NZTA said.
NZTA says the bush fire is affecting both sides of State Highway 7. Photo / Fire and Emergency
Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.
