Crews contain fire after it rips through 40 hectares in Rolleston, Canterbury

Three helicopters, six fire appliances and six tankers were working to contain the blaze. Photo / File

Crews have contained a large scrub fire between Rolleston and Canterbury.

Four helicopters, six fire appliances and eight tankers battled the blaze, which was reported around 4.30pm.

It quickly spread across 40 hectares and up to 21 appliances and four helicopters worked to contain the fire, Incident Controller Mike Johns said.

There looks to be a fire burning just south of Templeton, heading towards Rolleston. Looks very close to SH1 so could potentially cause some problems for those heading home on the road this evening. @PressNewsroom @1NewsNZ @NewshubNZ @lynchinnz @radionz pic.twitter.com/mxkSK7K2Yk

— Mitch Redman (@RedmanMitch) February 13, 2020

"At one stage up to 10 properties were at risk, and we managed to protect all of them.

"Although a double garage and a hay barn were lost in the fire."

Crews were called to the fire on Waterholes Rd, near Main South Rd at 4.30 this afternoon.

Johns says while the fire is now contained, crews will be there throughout the night.

"The dry weather coupled with strong winds caused this fire to spread quickly, and crews will remain overnight to ensure we stay on top of it."

UPDATE 5:40 PM
SH1 Main South Rd is CLOSED due to a fire on Waterholes Rd. Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.
Detours are currently being put in place please follow directions of emergency services. ^JPhttps://t.co/BKxvyRTozn

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) February 13, 2020

There are no reports of injuries, police said in a statement.

The intersection between Main South Rd and Waterholes Rd was closed earlier, with police assisting with traffic management near the blaze.

🚒🚒 Fire and Emergency NZ is currently in attendance at a large grass and hedge fire just off SH1 near Rolleston (15...

Posted by Fire and Emergency NZ Communication Centres on Wednesday, 12 February 2020

Motorists were advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.