A scrub fire in Christchurch's eastern suburbs has now been contained, thanks to the help of two helicopters with monsoon buckets.
One of four scrub fires at Woolston. Photo: Conan Young / RNZ
The blaze by the Heathcote River jumped the river thanks to gusty winds and forced the closure of the main highway to the city's port.
Assistant area commander Mike Bowden said dry conditions meant it was all hands on deck to prevent the flames reaching an industrial estate just a few hundred meters away.
The Fire Service said the fires started separately but were all on Tunnel Rd.
Five fire engines were at the scene today. Photo: RNZ / Laura Dooley