A number of fires broke out across Canterbury and Marlborough yesterday as strong winds and high temperatures fuelled dangerous conditions. Christchurch hit a record June high of nearly 25°C yesterday as severe northwesterly gales buffeted parts of the South Island. Fire and Emergency NZ said overnight rain and lighter winds helped contain the fires and crews would spend today mopping up affected areas and ensuring any lingering hot spots were fully out. Up to 20 crews were sent out to a large hedge fire in
Ward in Marlborough, which covered about a hectare of land. Assistant District Commander Brian Keown advised people to check fires from the previous week were completely out and said Canterbury remained extremely dry. FENZ compiled the below list of fires attended. • Eyrewell in the Selwyn District, alerted at 8.35am. At its peak, 13 crews were in attendance, with support by a helicopter. The fire was extinguished by 4pm. • Vegetation fire at Gebbies Valley near Christchurch, which was reported as a hedge fire just
before 12.30pm. Sixteen crews responded at peak but he fire was out by around 5pm. • Forestry fire at Hawarden in the Hurunui District, reported just before 2.20pm. Eighteen crews of firefighters supported by a helicopter were involved at the peak of the response. Heavy rain has fallen and a skeleton crew remained overnight. • An escaped burn-off at Mt Culverden, reported just before 2.40pm. All fires were out by about 6.30pm. • A hedge fire at Emu Plain in the Hurunui District, reported just
after 3pm. Six crews were dispatched and the fire was extinguished by 5.45pm. • A tree fire on the Inland Kaikoura Rd, Hurunui District, reported about 4.10pm. Two crews attended and the fire was out by around 8pm. • A fire which escaped from a burn pile at Kaipara, Hurunui District, reported just after 4.20pm. Seven crews attended, with the fire out about 7pm.
Canterbury wildfires, Marlborough fires, Fire and Emergency NZ, Christchurch record June high, northwesterly gales, hedge fire, Ward Marlborough, Eyrewell, Gebbies Valley, Hawarden, Mt Culverden, Emu Plain, Inland Kaikoura Rd, Kaipara