Homes have been evacuated as firefighters battle a large vegetation fire near Waipara tonight. Photo / George Heard
Houses in North Canterbury are being evacuated as fire crews battle a large “fast moving” vegetation blaze tonight.
Emergency services were called to Waikari Valley Rd in the Hurunui district shortly after 8pm to a fire that was moving through gorse and scrub valley.
Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) said residents along Shell Rock Rd were being evacuated as a precaution. Three properties along Sealeys Direct Rd were also being evacuated.
“Fifteen crews, alongside a bulldozer, are now fighting the fire, which is moving through difficult terrain,” they said. Two helicopters were also on standby ready to fly at first light.
There is currently no threat to any structures, but Fenz said three appliances were working to provide structure protection to houses that are impacted.
A nearby resident told Chris Lynch Media they could see the fire moving “very fast” and added it was “quite scary”.
An evacuation centre has been set up at Waipara Hall.
An NZME photographer said the fire glow could be seen from as far away as Amberley.
Fenz has asked the public to avoid the area.
Fire crews from Waikari, Hurunui, Scargill, Hawarden, Waipara, Culverden, Amberley and Rangiora stations are responding.
The town of Waikari has reportedly had its power disconnected as a precaution.
More to come