Evacuations as 'challenging' forestry fire burns in Canterbury

A major forestry fire in Canterbury's Selwyn District has forced people out of more than 10 properties as smoke billowed over "much of Christchurch".

As the fire crews wrested the fire near Kirwee under control, word came through of another potential blaze.

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) has sent a helicopter from the Kirwee fire across the Waimakariri River to Eagle Hill near Oxford to assess another fire which has reportedly started.

It was not yet known how large the Oxford fire was.

At the original flare-up, Fire and Emergency (FENZ) received multiple calls to the blaze on Old West Coast Rd close to the Waimakariri River shortly before 10pm on Sunday night.

Just after 7am on Monday, FENZ Incident Controller Graeme Knight said the fire had been brought under control and by about 8.45am, it was announced the Kirwee fire had been contained, with no loss of buildings or livestock.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Dave Berry said seven helicopters and eight crews of firefighters would be working on the fire today, supported by heavy machinery.

An aerial inspection this morning confirmed no buildings were damaged and nor were any livestock caught up in the fire, which burned 80 hectares of pine plantation, scrub and some farmland beside the Waimakariri River.

Last night, an estimated 10 properties on Old West Coast Road were evacuated as a precaution, while several other households self-evacuated.

Fire and Emergency will provide an update for the evacuated residents at 11am in the Kirwee Community Hall.

Berry said Monday’s hot and windy weather will create extreme fire behaviour if any new fires start. He asked everyone in Canterbury to take great care with any activities that could cause any sparks and start another fire.

In an earlier update, FENZ said the blaze had scorched about 80 hectares of pine plantation, scrub and farmland.

"Seven aircraft and eight fresh crews of firefighters supported by heavy machinery will be attacking the large fire burning near Kirwee this morning," a spokesperson said.

"Houses along Old West Coast Rd between Cooks Rd and Courtenay Rd were evacuated by police as a precaution last night."

"Many others" nearby evacuated of their own accord, FENZ added. So far, no damage to homes has been reported.

"The fire is spreading quickly in strong winds and firefighters are carrying out structure protection. Conditions are challenging," a FENZ spokesperson said last night.

Roadblocks were in place and anyone outside the evacuation area who felt unsafe was urged to leave.

Incident Controller Dave Key said firefighters at the scene were focused on protecting structures and preventing spot fires.

"Anyone whose life or safety is at risk should call 111.

"Selwyn District Emergency Management has opened an evacuation centre in the Kirwee Community Hall in High St, Kirwee for those who are unable to go to family or friends."

A meeting has been organised for evacuated residents at the hall at 11am this morning.

"Smoke from the fire is covering a wide area, including much of Christchurch.

"If you are affected by smoke, stay inside and keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure."

People were asked to avoid the area.

"There is also a ban on flying drones anywhere near the fireground."

Fiery start to 2024 for the area

The overnight blaze follows two major blazes in the Kirwee area last month.

On January 7, fires sparked by a freight train threatened homes between Aylesbury and Darfield west of Christchurch.

The blaze put homes at risk – though ultimately no properties were damaged.

On January 11, another major fire broke out in a pine plantation near the south bank of the Waimakariri River.