Fire crews have contained a fire in rural Canterbury.
Strong winds propelled the blaze over 100 hectares on land near Hororata, and multiple outbuildings on farms have been destroyed. Â
More than 20 fire appliances and five helicopters battled the flames.
Southern Fire and Emergency shift manager Riwai Grace said crews are attacking the left flank on the fire, dampening down hotspots as they go.Â
"Helicopters have just been stood down. We're waiting for a southerly to arrive so they are in a better state out there."
Fire engines were first called out around 1:30 this afternoon.Â
Earlier reports said that one shed and a few hedges had been destroyed.Â
At 3:30, Southern Fire Communications tweeted that the fire had been partially contained and they hoped to return people to their homes soon.
Our crews have partially contained the Hororata Canterbury blaze - no homes have been lost, & we hope to return people back to their homes shortly. Firefighters will keep working to keep the fire contained as winds change.
— Fire and EmergencyNZ (@FireEmergencyNZ) December 25, 2017
Fire crews are fighting a fast moving fire in dried off grass and shelterbelts near Hororata, Canterbury. 15 appliances and tankers supported by five aircraft in attendance.
— Fire and EmergencyNZ (@FireEmergencyNZ) December 25, 2017
Christchurch is currently on track to be the warmest city in the country, with 31 degrees as the high.Â
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