Controlled burn-offs near Christchurch to continue all week

Monday, 7 April 2025

Smoke over the east of Christchurch thanks to a controlled burnoff.

Burn-offs are expected to continue for another week warn authorities after smoke after smoke from a planned burn-off left a large part of Christchurch blanketed in smoke on Monday.

The smoke was visible across east and north Christchurch.

The controlled, private burn-off in Bottle Lake Forest Park, combined with a wind that pushed the smoke across the city left eastern and northern suburbs choking in the smoke. Air quality and visibility were impacted.

It is understood that some people at the QEII recreation and sports centre in Parklands were evacuated and students at Avonside Girls’ High School were encouraged to stay indoors.

Queenspark School also kept students in at morning tea time due to the “thick smoke in the air”, which they said caused breathing difficulties for some students.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager saidthere had been a “substantial” number of calls reporting the fire before midday.

The public was assured the burn-offs were being carried out safely.

Monday’s burn-off was near Lower Styx Road with signage in the area advising the public of the burns.