Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are continuing to battle a large vegetation fire at Southbridge in the Selwyn District.

Assistant Commander Kevin McCombe said the fire has been contained to 38 hectares with a perimeter of 2.6 kilometres.

“It is deep seated in mostly pine forestry slash, and we have 30 firefighters, 10 trucks and heavy machinery crews currently working hard turning over logs to extinguish the fire,” McCombe said.

Two helicopters are on standby to assist if conditions worsen.

The blaze was first reported about 3pm yesterday. It has destroyed two utility sheds.

McCombe said fire investigators will arrive later this morning to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

He urged Canterbury residents not to light any fires today.

“High winds are forecast again today, and we also urge people to check any existing burn piles to make sure they are fully extinguished,” he said.

“Windy weather is the perfect condition for old fires to reignite and escape. If you’ve been burning vegetation any time in the last few months or so, check the fire is completely extinguished. If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.”