Canterbury Police and the Fire Service are still in attendance at a large fire which is reported to have started at shortly before 2pm today (5 January 2015) in a plantation area 300m north of the Pines Beach car park. Initial thoughts are the fire may be moving south and a helicopter equipped with a monsoon bucket is being used to help fight the fire.
Police have established a cordon and have evacuated approximately 40 properties in the area.
Canterbury Police continue to ask the public to avoid the area where possible while the response to the fire is underway.
There is currently no ETA for when residents can re-enter the area however updates will be made through the Police website (www.Police.govt.nz). Residents in the affected area can also call Police on *555 from their mobile for information.
No further comment will be made by Police at this time.
Updates for media will be sent as and when new information is available and the situation changes.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
