Firefighters continue to work to extinguish two large vegetation fires in North Canterbury today. Video / George Heard
Firefighters are continuing to work to extinguish two large vegetation fires in North Canterbury that have destroyed two homes and a church.
The two fires — which broke out yesterday afternoon in Loburn near Rangiora, and near the town of Amberley — have forced people out of their properties.
Overnight, about 17 firefighters in Loburn monitored and dampened down hotspots in the 10ha area along Loburn Whiterock Rd.
“This morning the roads around the Loburn fires remain closed while around 30 fresh firefighters and six staff, supported by heavy machinery, work to fully extinguish the fires in the area,” a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.
Aerial view of the damage caused by vegetation fires in Loburn, North Canterbury. Photo / George Heard
He confirmed two houses were destroyed in the fire, as well as a church.
“There were three structures involved: two private houses and a privately-owned church building, which used to be St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Lowburn and is now privately owned.”
Waimakiriri Mayor Dan Gordon and Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Collin Russell speaking to media. Photo / Pierre Nixon
Waimakiriri Mayor Dan Gordon said his heart goes out to the people who were affected.
“Our community does get behind people at these times, but our priority at the moment is to work alongside the amazing Fenz crews and offer all the support we can, including welfare.”
Gordon thanked fire crews for helping save family pets and farm animals.
“These guys went out and fed their pets and looked after chickens. For families, their pets are really important to them, and that was a great comfort to people last night.”
Buildings and property have been destroyed by two large vegetation fires in North Canterbury. Photo / George Heard
Fire and Emergency said the fire at Amberley was contained and controlled.
“Overnight around 17 firefighters worked to monitor and dampen down hotspots.”
“Today, six crews supported by heavy machinery are continuing the work on hotspots and flare-ups. One helicopter is on standby,” a Fenz spokesperson said.
It is expected it will take several days to fully extinguish the fire at Amberley.
“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 North Canterbury fires. 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,” she said.
“[A post] was put up for help, and we were right there, so we got our float and another lady up the road so it could be done in one hit. Okuku/Loburn has a fantastic community like that.”
Rowbotham told the Herald they moved the horses about 1km when the wind was blowing away from them. “The horses were terrified of the helicopters, so it took a bit of catching.”
