Canterbury fire

Canterbury fire destroys homes, forces evacuations

Radio NZ,

10 January, 2013

Emergency services have evacuated people from suburbs near Christchurch as a big grass fire burns out of control south of Prebbleton.

The fire began about 3pm on Thursday and is being fanned by strong, gusty northwesterly winds blowing large plumes of black smoke towards the Port Hills.

Three homes have been destroyed in Shands Road.

Extensive cordons are in place and five helicopters with monsoon buckets are at the scene. Helicopters are taking taking water from reservoirs and swimming pools.

At least 20 fire appliances are being used to tackle the blaze from the eastern and western sides.

A no-fly zone is in place. Incident controller Chris Hewitt says he is confident that there are enough resources to contain the fire.

Mr Hewitt says it is still a very dangerous situation for residents and a full evacuation has taken place.

Emergency services say two St John ambulances are on standby.