Canterbury scrub fire: Road reopened, but Hurunui fire still burning

By RNZ

State Highway 7 near Hanmer Springs has reopened, as crews work to extinguish a scrub fire in Canterbury.

Firefighters have been at the scene of a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road in Hurunui throughout the night, battling to bring it under control.

Around href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/new-zealand-fire-service/">40 firefighters, 20 Fire and Emergency trucks, tankers and support vehicles and nine helicopters were at the scene around Island Hills.

Several houses on SH7 were evacuated and people were asked to stay away from the area.

The Lewis Pass Rd has reopened, with motorists advised to expect delays.

FINAL UPDATE 8:40AM, SUN 16 FEB
SH7 Springs Junction to Hanmer Springs has RE-OPENED at 10:25pm last night following the fire. The road is now under STOP/GO traffic management. Take extra care. ^SG https://t.co/Ls7uF9TC01

— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) February 15, 2025

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