Multiple fires across region stretching resources

Rolleston fire. Image: Kaycee

Three large fires across the region are stretching the fire service as they send resources battling the main blaze on the Port Hills to assist further afield.

Fire and Emergency NZ said there are currently 23 appliances, 15 helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft focused on retardant drops on the Port Hills, however two helicopters have been diverted to View Hill, Oxford to help with a hillside blaze there.

A vegetation fire is currently burning through scrub in the vicinity of View Hill, so the two choppers are assisting six crews who are mopping up, focusing on areas of unsafe terrain.

One Oxford resident told Chris Lynch Media that the two helicopters had arrived shortly before 10am.

The resident also said there are currently “view strong winds” in Oxford.

At the same time, crews have also been battling a large fire in Rolleston near Manion Road, which has since been brought under control.

Due to the fire, visibility was reduced on SH1 north-east of Rolleston, between Berketts Rd and Robinsons Rd. NZTA warned motorists to take extra care through the area.

Fire contained at Rolleston. Image: Andy Knight.

Meanwhile, a member of the public, who lives just across from the Cashmere Valley fire line said crews have started to lay the fire retardant lines down from the Christchurch Adventure Park chair lift terminal.

They told this newsroom, “I expect this is to stop it [the fire] coming down the hill. They had a bulldozer and excavator cutting a new track/fire control line across Cashmere Valley, below Marley's Hill.”

The Christchurch City Council has also closed both Halswell Quarry Park and Victoria Park.