UPDATED 11.44am: Helicopters have been used to battle the wind and contain a large flare up of the fire burning since Tuesday in Hanmer Springs.

The fire was contained on Tuesday night after it ripped through 75 hectares but a significant area of the blaze reignited this morning.

Seven homes have been evacuated, after a strong northwester reignited hot spots around the perimeter of the blaze that has already burnt through 75 hectares of land. 

North Canterbury Conservation Operations Manager Kingsley Timpson said the winds were predicted, which gave firefighters a head start. 

"We were fortunate enough to be able to have helicopters in the air. Initially we had three, but we ended up with four helicopters being able to arm wrestle the wind and hold the fire back."

Ms Timpson said they're expecting the gusty conditions to come and go throughout the day. 

Fire shift manager Brent Dunn said the fire service has responded with extra crews to Hanmer Springs which are standing by to head into the area and protect property.

Mr Dunn said rural fire have also responded with mores resources in the area as well.