Fire and Emergency Services were alerted to the blaze around 8pm on Thursday, August 30. Photo / Fire and Emergency Services
“Conditions today are still windy and not as strong as last night, but we’re expecting a southerly change mid-afternoon and that will test some of the containment lines we’ve got in place,” he said.
“We’re working hard to make sure they’re as robust as they can be.”
MetService forecasts winds will shift from a northwesterly this morning, to a south/southwesterly later this afternoon.
The southerly is expected to be light, with an average speed of 10km/h. There is also some light rain in the forecast, which Keown said may actually hinder their efforts.
”The rain is not likely to be enough to be helpful but will make navigating around the fireground more difficult,” Keown said.
There were concerns the fire would grow further last night, with extremely high winds.
“It did not grow at all last night, so I’m very pleased about that,” he said.
It was hoped Fire and Emergency Services would be able to put it out over the weekend, however windy conditions have continued to hamper their efforts.
Dozens of firefighters will remain on site and for the remainder of the week while they try to get the blaze under control.
“We’ve got 75 personnel on site supported by two dozers, diggers and tankers, five helicopters as required,” said Keown.
Keown said while the fire is burning well away from properties, an evacuation plan is in place if needed.
Fire and Emergency declared a prohibited fire season for the Canterbury District. It said all previously granted fire permits were no longer valid.
The ban will run for a week, until midnight September 9.
Keown is urging anyone who has been burning off recently to ensure the burns are fully extinguished.
