Fire and Emergency crews are battling multiple wildfires across Canterbury this afternoon, including a large blaze near Hawarden.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said crews were called to the Hawarden fire at 2.18pm.

“We have 16 fire appliances on scene and one helicopter on route.

“The fire is not threatening the township. The fire is not contained or controlled at this stage.

“Please stay away from the area and allow our crews to work safely.”

The spokesperson said crews were also responding to a wildfire at Mount Culverden, where eight fire appliances were working to control the blaze.

Seven crews were at a fire near Waiau, while 14 crews were at a fire in Gebbies Valley.

Those fires were under control, with crews working to ensure they were fully extinguished.

Firefighters have also been at a scrub fire near Intake Road in Kirwee since 8.35am.

The spokesperson said crews had worked hard to get that fire under control and were now making sure it was fully extinguished.

“It is important that anyone who has had a fire in the past few weeks checks on them now to make sure they are fully extinguished.”