UPDATED 8.30PM: Â Firefighters have contained a blaze burning near New Brighton in Christchurch.
The blaze broke out in sand-dunes this afternoon and spread to nearby trees, forcing the evacuation of nine houses.
Police say 65 firefighters and 13 appliances were called in to fight the fire which affected an extensive area on the foreshore.
The focus now is on extinguishing the remaining hot-spots.
The cause of the blaze isn't known and a fire investigator will be on site tomorrow.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
