Helicopter assists fire crews fighting large roadside vegetation blaze in Temuka

More than 10 fire crews are battling a roadside blaze in the Timaru district which has been upgraded to a third alarm.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) received reports of the “fast-moving” fire on Waitohi Temuka Rd in the township of Temuka about 2.49pm.

Eleven crews were in attendance by 4pm, with more fire tanks and a helicopter en route to the scene to provide assistance.

A Fenz spokesperson said the vegetation fire was spreading quickly, engulfing trees in its path.

The blaze was initially thought to be 60m by 3m in size, but has since increased.