A man has died after trying to retrieve copper from a power box in Christchurch’s red zone.

Emergency services were called to a fire at a power box on Brooker Ave in Burwood around midnight by an Orion network operator responding to a power outage.

Christchurch Police Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said the man was found critically injured and died at the scene.

“We are making a number of inquiries, however it appears the man may have been attempting to retrieve copper from the transformer,” Todd said.

Emergency services were unable to reach the man immediately as the transformer was still live.

Power had to be cut to the transformer and about 700 homes before first aid could be provided.

A man has died after attempting to retrieve copper from a power box in Christchurch’s red zone.

The man was unable to be revived.

“While our inquiries are ongoing, this is a reminder of the dangers of power infrastructure and why it should never be interfered with,” Todd said.

“Anyone who sees suspicious activity around power infrastructure should call police immediately on 111.

“This was a traumatic incident and we’re making sure the officers who responded have support.”

Orion General Manager Electricity Network Steve Macdonald confirmed a staff member had discovered the man while responding to the outage.

“One of our network operators was called to a location in the Red Zone last night and, upon arrival, found a deceased person in front of one of our kiosks,” he said.

Brooker Ave in Burwood is part of Christchurch's red zone.

MacDonald said police were immediately notified.

“Our protection systems responded to automatically isolate power to 513 properties in Burwood and surrounding areas.

“Following this, our staff carried out necessary switching to allow emergency services to respond safely.

“Our thoughts are with the whānau of the deceased person involved in this tragedy, as well as our team and first responders who were required to attend the scene.”

He said they were assisting police with their inquiries and would not be commenting further.

The man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.