Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Firefighters have contained the vegetation fire burning on SH7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction in Canterbury.
Fire and Emergency NZ Assistant Commander Dave Key says that 30 firefighters and an incident management team are working on the fire this morning, supported by multiple fire appliances, two helicopters and an excavator.
No houses or other structures were lost overnight, and crews are continuing to carry out structure protection today. The size of the fireground remains at 40 hectares.
The Lewis Pass Rd is open with a 30km/hr speed limit and Dave Key has asked drivers to stick to that speed to keep firefighters safe. People driving through the area should expect to see smoke and may observe flames at times. If anyone sees anything of concern, they should call 111 and report it.
Fire Investigators are back at the fireground today to continue establishing the origin and cause of the fire, which was reported about 2.30pm yesterday. Dave Key says several people have already come forward with very useful information, photos and video footage of the early stages of the fire.
Conditions are expected to become more challenging this afternoon, with high temperatures and strong winds forecast.
