Canterbury Fires Update #4
19 January 2024
Please see below updates on the fires in Canterbury today.
Loburn fire
The fires on Loburn Whiterock Road, near Loburn, are tonight contained but not yet controlled.
Approximately 17 firefighters are working on the fireground overnight.
They’ll be relieved by seven crews in the morning supported by heavy machinery and aircraft will be used if needed.
Several vegetation fires broke out along Loburn Whiterock Road this afternoon covering an area of approximately 10 hectares in size.
Many buildings were destroyed, including a church, two houses, and several outbuildings including sheds and a business, and multiple vehicles including farm machinery.
Some residents have been evacuated to the Baptist Church on East Belt Rangiora, and are being looked after by local Council and Fire and Emergency personnel. They received a briefing from Fire and Emergency and other agencies at at 8.30pm and will have another briefing in the morning.
On behalf of the people who have lost their homes, we ask media to respect the privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
Cordons remain in place with limited managed access for residents where possible, and people are asked to stay well away from the area.
A fire investigator was at the site today.
Because of the extreme fire danger in Canterbury today, Fire and Emergency applied its Hot Fire Day response - where maximum number of firefighters and helicopters are deployed immediately.
At its peak, four helicopters operated alongside 20 trucks with around 100 firefighters involved.
Nearby residents who might be affected by smoke have been advised to close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise. Residents are advised to call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if they have any concerns.
Fire and Emergency also ask Canterbury people to take extra care over the weekend as stronger winds and very high temperatures are forecast.
Amberley fire
The Amberley vegetation fire on Racecourse Road is tonight contained and controlled.
Helicopters have been dampening down the perimeter of the fire and a dozer felling dangerous trees to make safe for ground crews.
Approximately 17 firefighters will work through the night. They will be relieved by six crews in the morning, supported by heavy machinery and aircraft as needed.
At its height the fire burnt both on sides of the road and covered an area of approximately one kilometre by 600 metres.
Nine tankers three helicopters and 40 personnel were deployed to fight the fire.
Residents who were evacuated from the area near the fire ground have been allowed managed access to their properties by Police and Fire and Emergency personnel.
Cordons remain in place and people are asked to stay well away from the area to let our crews focus on their work.
A fire investigator visited the site today.
This is expected to be a long duration incident continuing over the weekend.
Extreme care needed this weekend
Canterbury residents are being reminded to take extreme care with all activities that could cause a spark that will set vegetation on fire, with winds forecast to get stronger and hotter temperatures tomorrow. All fire permits have been suspended until 8am on Monday.
Fire and Emergency’s Regional Coordination Centre in Christchurch has been activated to support the multiple incidents, including on the West Coast where brigades are ready to assist with flooding.
This will be the final update for this evening unless there is a significant development.