Wildfire burning in Nth Canty

Strong winds were late last night fanning a wildfire in the hills between Cheviot and Rotherham in drought-stricken North Canterbury.

Fire authorities said they had no option but to let it burn through the night.

Southern Fire Communications shift manager Rewai Grace said it was too unsafe for crews to attack the fire in the dark.

It was in steep terrain about 300-400 metres above sea level, he said.

The Hurunui District Council said on its Facebook page it had no control of the fire last night.

‘‘We have a wildfire, approximately 50 hectares, being fanned by the nor ’ west wind between Cheviot and Rotherham.’’

‘‘Access is extremely difficult, 4x4 only.’’

The council said the Culverden fire brigade was on standby on the west side and Cheviot fire brigade on the east side, checking for life and property at risk.

Units were also responding from Scargill, Conway and Waiau, with Hawarden and Waikari 4x4 units also on standby.

It was too dark and windy to send in helicopters or aircraft, the council said.

It was hoped the wind would ease early this morning.

The area is tinder dry after an exceptionally dry summer and autumn.

The plan was to let the fire burn uncontrolled overnight with patrols planning what would be done this morning.

The cause of the fire was unknown, the council said.

Kate Eades posted on the council’s Facebook page: ‘‘Smoke thick over Cheviot. Scary in this weather. Thinking of the firefighters & farm owners’’.

Mark Elvines posted: ‘‘Seems crazy having an out of control fire in June . . . but there it is due to the extended drought. Good luck to the property owners and other folks involved in this now’’.