Wildfires sweep through New Zealand’s Canterbury region

Firefighters backed by helicopters battled vegetation fires in New Zealand’s Canterbury region as strong winds complicated efforts to bring the blazes under control, local media reported.

Crews were dispatched to a forest fire on O’Carrolls Road in Hawarden in Hurunui district after the blaze was reported in the afternoon, said the New Zealand Herald.

Up to 16 firefighting crews supported by a helicopter were deployed to contain the fire, which was burning in a forestry block.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said several vegetation fires had broken out across Canterbury amid strong winds, prompting warnings against lighting outdoor fires.

Another wildfire was reported at Mount Culverden, where eight fire appliances were sent to the scene.

Earlier, firefighters from seven brigades responded to a hedge fire on McQueens Valley Road in Gebbies Valley near Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency Assistant District Commander Brian Keown urged residents to check fires and burn-offs lit during the previous two weeks to ensure they had not reignited.

Authorities also advised people to avoid lighting fires as strong winds increased the risk of flames spreading rapidly across dry vegetation.