Fire near Loburn in North Canterbury is about 10 hectares in size. Three homes and a church have been destroyed in the blaze.
Firefighting efforts include four helicopters, 20 trucks, and over 100 firefighters. An additional 40 trucks and six helicopters are also engaged in battling the fires.
Approximately 50 properties in the Loburn area have been evacuated. Evacuated residents are advised to go to the Rangiora Showgrounds. Some structures have been destroyed, and more are still under threat.
Fire crews plan to remain at the site overnight to prevent the fire from spreading and to continue mop-up operations tomorrow.
Local residents have been actively involved in rescue efforts.
There is also a fire at Amberley being tackled with heavy machinery, two helicopters, 18 fire crews, and tankers. The fire there has been confined to a specific area.
Cordons are in place, and people are advised to stay away from the areas. Some evacuees from Racecourse Rd have been allowed to return home, but they are warned to be ready for re-evacuation if necessary.
The fires, which involved various materials like tree stumps, grass, tyres, and car wrecks, were first reported around 1.20 pm, and an immediate response was initiated.
The Canterbury region is urged to be cautious due to the high risk of fire, especially with stronger winds forecast. A prohibited fire season is in effect in most of the mid and upper South Island, and fire permits in Canterbury are suspended until further notice.
The Fire and Emergency’s Regional Coordination Centre in Christchurch has been activated to manage the situation, which includes readiness for potential flooding on the West Coast.
Update from FENZ
Loburn fire
The fires on Loburn Whiterock Road, near Loburn, have been contained. The fire is approximately 10 hectares in size.
Four helicopters remain in operation alongside 20 trucks. There are around 100 firefighters involved.
Evacuations have taken place and cordons remain in place. Evacuated residents are advised to go to the Rangiora Showgrounds.
A number of structures have been impacted. More structures still remain under threat and crews are working hard to protect them.
Nearby residents who may be affected by smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise. Residents are advised to call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if they have any concerns.
Amberley fire
Heavy machinery has been brought in to support firefighters and two helicopters, which are working to put out the fire at Amberley.
Cordons remain in place and people are asked to stay well away from the area to let our crews focus on their work.
Residents who were evacuated from the area near the fireground are being allowed managed access to their properties by Police and Fire and Emergency personnel.
Extreme care needed this weekend
Canterbury residents are being reminded to take extreme care with all activities that could cause a spark that will set vegetation on fire, with winds forecast to get stronger tomorrow.
Fire and Emergency’s Region Manager Brad Mosby says today’s major fires at Amberley and Loburn, near Rangiora, show how fast fires develop and how difficult it can be for firefighters to bring them under control in these conditions.
“Without speculating on the cause of today’s fires, it’s clear that this is the time for everyone to be extremely careful.” Brad Mosby said.
Most of the mid and upper South Island is in a prohibited fire season, meaning no open fires are allowed. All fire permits are being suspended in the rest of Canterbury until 8am Monday because of the ongoing risk.
Fire and Emergency’s Regional Coordination Centre in Christchurch has been activated to support the multiple incidents, including on the West Coast where brigades are ready to assist with flooding.
Image credit: Guido Jansen
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