Banks Peninsula fire update - 2.20pm, 13 July

Firefighters expect to have a large fire on Banks Peninsula under control by early this evening but firefighting efforts will need to continue tomorrow.

The fire, which is suspected to have been started by lightning strike around 1pm yesterday, now covers around 300 hectares of bush at Stony Bay on Bank Peninsula, including the Hinewai Reserve.

Christchurch City Council, emergency services and around 30 volunteer rural firefighters from Banks Peninsula have been fighting the fire since last night, with four homes evacuated overnight as a precaution. It is expected that these people will be able to return to their homes tonight.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Keith Marshall says it is expected the fire will be under control by early this evening, although firefighting will continue tomorrow (Thursday 14 July) on the ground and from above with helicopters.

“Right now, we have around 80 per cent of the fire’s perimeter under control. We are still working at the base of Stony Bay Peak on the south-western side of the hill. We are monitoring strong nor’west wind gusts this afternoon and will continue our efforts to put out the fire today and tomorrow.”

The area the fire covers has now reduced to 300 hectares, from a peak of 400 hectares earlier today.

The Council continues to request that residents do not to use Long Bay Road to keep it clear for emergency vehicles.