The blaze began near a workshop recycling old whiteware units. Video / Dean Jenkins
A large scrub fire in rural Canterbury that claimed three structures has now been contained.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Darfield, Darfield South, Kirwee, Sheffield, Coalgate, Cust and other rural areas west of Christchurch, including the city, responded to the fire.
The fire started just before 10am anddestroyed three structures.
It was contained around 12.45pm, with the one helicopter now released and downscaling of ground crews taking place.
Fire and Emergency NZ said it will take some time for the fire to be fully extinguished, with a 20-tonne digger being brought in to help with that process.
Local resident Dean Jenkins said he and others were among the first on the scene when the blaze broke out at the corner of Bleak House and Redmonds Rds.
Thick, black smoke can be seen and explosions have been heard. Photo / Dean Jenkins
He said the fire appeared to have started near a workshop belonging to a man who recycles old whiteware.
Jenkins described hearing several large explosions while standing about 100m from the fire.
Multiple crews and a helicopter are responding to a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury this morning. Photo / Dean Jenkins
“There were some pretty decent explosions in there. I think it was all the fridges, they have those gas canisters in them.
”It’s pretty impressive... The main house seems okay.”
Multiple crews and a helicopter responded to a large scrub fire in rural Canterbury this morning. Image / Google Maps
By the time Jenkins spoke to the Herald, the flames were beginning to subside as fire crews tackled the blaze.
Media inquiries were directed to the Fire and Emergency national media team.
The blaze has broken out near Darfield in Canterbury. Photo / Dean Jenkins
A spokesperson said earlier: “Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a fire in trees at a property near Darfield in Canterbury at 9.59am.
“Thirteen trucks from Darfield, Kirwee, Sheffield, Hororata, Dunsandel, Rolleston, Cust, Coalgate and Christchurch, and one helicopter, are responding.”
Three structures have been lost to fire, they confirmed.
“The public are advised to avoid the area while crews work,” the spokesperson said.
“Anyone impacted by smoke from the fire should stay inside with their windows and doors closed.”
