Five houses have been evacuated in Pines Beach north of Christchurch, as firefighters battle a large scrub fire.
A fire at Pines Beach, near Kaiapoi north of Christchurch, on 25 January. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Fire and Emergency said they were called to the blaze just after 3pm today.
A spokesperson said three helicopters and 18 fire crews were fighting the blaze, which had so far destroyed two sheds.
They said the fire front was between 200 and 250 metres long.
Meanwhile, another fire at Balmoral Hill on Christchurch’s Port Hills – which also threatened homes – is now under control.
Crews managed to bring the Port Hills fire under control this afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The fire on Balmoral Hill in McCormacks Bay was reported just after 1.30pm today.
A fire service spokesperson said it started in an area of scrub in a gully, but the fire front had now been brought under control.
Fire and Emergency said no evacuations were ordered, and crews are now dampening hotspots.
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