Canterbury wildfire still spreading after scorching pine plantation overnight

Five helicopters have been working to extinguish a wildfire in a pine plantation near Amberley, North Canterbury.

A wildfire that broke out in North Canterbury overnight has continued to spread today.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the blaze about 8pm on Thursday.

Fire and Emergency NZ incident commander Des Irving said it had crews working overnight to contain the flames

The fire north of Amberley is burning in a pine plantation and covered about 80ha last night but has spread further today.

“The fire is currently 105ha and is contained within the forest boundary but not under control,” Fenz said online.

“We have five helicopters and numerous crews and appliances working on the ground to try to put the fire out,” Irving said.

“The fire has been contained within the forest boundary overnight, but is still actively burning,” he said.

No properties are under threat.

Irving couldn’t confirm what caused the fire. “I’ve got investigators who will look at that,” he said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to the blaze at about 8pm on Thursday. Photo / Fire and Emergency NZ – Canterbury

Fenz remains concerned about the blaze spreading because winds are forecast to increase today.

“Winds are going to increase to up to 70km/h ... we are asking anyone who has had burn-offs to check that they are fully extinguished,” Irving said.

He is reminding anyone wanting to start a controlled burn to check the weather prior to burning and contact Fenz for advice.

“The fire and smoke may be visible from both SH1 and SH7,” he said.

Fenz is urging people to stay away from the area to allow crews to bring the blaze under control.

“We ask that people stay away from the area to allow our crews to work quickly to bring this fire under control.”

Crews will remain onsite over the weekend.