People have been evacuated from their homes in a rural area of North Canterbury where fire crews are battling an uncontained bush fire. 

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said reports of the Island Hills fire on State Highway 7 first came in at 2.30pm today. 

“Crews are working to contain a large vegetation fire. 

“We believe the fire is heading towards structures and plantations of trees, but crews are working to protect those areas and limit any damage possible.” 

All houses in the area have been evacuated. 

The fire currently covers 800sq m and is not contained, the spokesman said. 

Six helicopters, eight fire trucks and 35 firefighters were battling the rural blaze as of 3.50pm. 

“There are road closures in the area, so we advise the public to keep clear of the area while we carry out the operation,” he said. 

Crews from Hanmer Springs, Culverden, Springs Junction and Waiau fire stations are attending the bush fire. 

NZTA advised motorists that SH7 was closed near Hope River Bridge in Island Hills at 3.30pm. 

“Due to a fire on both sides of the highway, take extra care when travelling through the area and follow the directions of any emergency services on-site,” NZTA said. 

Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.