LONG QUEUES

CHRISTCHURCH: Fire crews were last night fighting to contain a large fire burning north of Christchurch that is threatening homes and forced residents to evacuate.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand earlier said five homes were under threat from the scrub fire at The Pines Beach, which had now reached 20ha in size.

Eighteen crews and four helicopters were tackling the fire after being called out at 3.06pm yesterday.

‘‘Firefighters also continue to actively protect houses threatened by the fire. Residents were earlier evacuated,’’ Fenz said.

‘‘Fire crews and helicopters will continue fighting the fire as long as they can this evening.’’

Crews would also remain at the fire overnight.

One firefighter was also understood to have suffered from smoke inhalation.

‘‘One patient was taken to

Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition,’’ St John said.

Fenz asked people to be extra vigilant about fire risk over the next few days as temperatures up to 36degC were forecast today.

Earlier yesterday, firefighters earlier saved a dozen atrisk properties in a separate fire further south in Christchurch’s coastal Redcliffs suburb as temperatures hit 28degC. — The New Zealand Herald