Houses evacuated as fires burn in Loburn, Amberley
Friday, 19 January 2024
North Canterbury residents have been evacuated as fire crews on the ground and in the air continue to contain a string of fires during scorching temperatures and strong winds.
Two blazes in North Canterbury broke out about 20km apart on Friday afternoon, the first in Amberley, before a second cluster of blazes in Loburn saw a redeployment of crews.
The fires across approximately 10 hectares on Loburn Whiterock Road, near Loburn, have been contained by multiple fire crews since early afternoon, a Fenz spokesperson said.
A number of structures have been impacted, they said, with more structures remaining under threat as crews worked hard to protect them.
Four helicopters and 20 trucks remained in operation at 6pm, which includes about 100 firefighters.
Cordons remained in place and evacuated residents were advised to go to the Rangiora Showgrounds.
Nearby residents who may be affected by smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise. Residents are advised to call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if they have any concerns.
The first fire broke out in Amberley on a property about 1.20pm on Friday.
Homes were evacuated near Racecourse Road about 2.40pm as the fire burned through scrub, tyres and car wrecks, a Fenz spokesperson said.
The fire was estimated to be 1km by 500m in size. Pictures show thick black smoke billowing from behind a row of trees.
Fenz described the blaze as “well involved” earlier in the afternoon.
A couple who live on Stanton Rd, which runs off Racecourse Road, were told to evacuate around 3pm for precautionary measures, they said.
One of them said it was “terrifying, because you could see the smoke”.
The couple said they were “right in the firing line” if the fire jumped the road so they put their live stock into smaller, greener pastures and bundled their black lab and cat into their cars.
Multiple tankers and three helicopters worked to manage the fire, which allowed residents “managed access to return home” by about 4pm when the fire was under control.
Cordons remained in place for the general public but firefighters and two helicopters remain at the scene along with heavy machinery brought in to support the land and air crews.
Fenz asked people to stay well away from the area to let crews focus on their work.
'It was challenging at times, but the crews have worked very hard to contain the fire,' Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Des Irving said.
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On Friday afternoon it was about 30C in North Canterbury, with northerly winds of about 35kph.
The cause of the fire is unclear, but Canterbury is sweltering under temperatures in the mid-30s.
Christchurch surpassed 34C on Friday, and Canterbury Weather Updates predicts an even hotter Saturday.
Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, has issued a public health warning for smoky air around all five of the fires.
There is potential for people who are sensitive to smoke, such as people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly, to experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation.
Dr Matt Reid, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health said exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions.
“People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise,” he said.
Remember to:
Keep your windows and doors shut.
Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’.
Air out your house when the smoke clears.
Look out for children, older people, and others at risk.
Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.
Reid also said if anyone is feeling distressed or anxious about the fires, people can call or text a trained counsellor free of charge on 1737 anytime.