Canterbury Vegetation Fires Update #2

20 Pipiri 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is continuing to respond to multiple fires fanned by strong winds in Canterbury and as far north as Ward in Marlborough.

Most are vegetation fires but one was reported as involving a farm shed as well as adjoining trees. That fire, on Selwyn Road near Rolleston, was reported at 3.42pm. There are 10 crews still working on that fire, with 16 on site at the height of the response.

By nightfall, rain had begun to bring relief in some areas, but as of 5.30pm, fire crews were still working on eight fires. Aircraft were all stood down by nightfall.

Assistant District Commander Brian Keown says that while the rain and forecast lower temperatures tomorrow will ease the situation, Canterbury is extremely dry for this time of year.

Anyone who has lit an outdoor fire in the last week should go and check that it is completely out. And farmers or lifestyle block owners thinking about land management fires should always refer to www.checkitsalright.nz and be mindful of the weather forecast before lighting any new fires.

The first of today’s fires was reported at 8.35am at Eyrewell in the Selwyn District. At the peak, 13 crews with fire trucks and tankers were at the scene, supported by a helicopter.

Later fires included:

• Vegetation fire at Gebbies Valley near Christchurch, which was reported as a hedge fire just before 12.30pm. Sixteen crews responded, with six remaining at the scene
• Forestry fire at Hawarden in the Hurunui District, reported just before 2.20pm. Eighteen crews of firefighters supported by a helicopter were involved at the peak of the response, with 12 still on site.
• An escaped burnoff at Mt Culverden, reported just before 2.40pm. Six crews remain at the scene, with eight in total responding to the fire during the afternoon
• A hedge fire at Emu Plain in the Hurunui District, reported just after 3pm. Six crews were dispatched and three are still working at the scene
• A tree fire on the Inland Kaikoura Road, Hurunui District, reported about 4.10pm. Two crews attended
• A fire which escaped from a burn pile at Waipara, Hurunui District, reported just after 4.20pm. Seven crews attended, with five still on site.
• Trees on fire at Ward, in Marlborough, reported at 5pm – four crews are there and four more are on the way