A vegetation fire that destroyed three structures in Canterbury has been contained after a response from a dozen crews and a helicopter.
Thirteen firetrucks and one helicopter were called to Darfield, west of Christchurch, after the fire started at around 10am.
The Darfield Volunteer Fire Brigade said it responded to a large fire near Old West Coast Road.
Other crews from Darfield South, Kirwee, Sheffield, Colgate, Dunsandel and Rolleston were also called to the scene.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said three structures had been lost to the fire.
The fire was contained at around 12.45pm, with the helicopter leaving the scene and ground crews scaling down.
“It will take some time for the fire to be fully extinguished, with a 20-tonne digger being brought in to help with that process,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
FENZ thanked locals for their patience while crews fought the blaze.
Meanwhile, in Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay, crews were called to a burnoff that had become out of control at around 11.30am.
“Multiple burn piles spread the fire,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
Five tankers and four crews were at the scene.
