Fires in West Melton again

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Fire at Canterbury plantation
By: Angela Kenealy | Latest Emergency News | Saturday January 19 2013 16:51

 

The Fire Service is battling a blaze at a Canterbury plantation.

Several appliances are trying to bring the fire under control, near the aerodrome in West Melton.

Helicopters with water buckets are on standby.

Police are also in attendance.

A cordon is in place, and motorists are being urged to avoid the area.

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Lucky once again - thanks godness - but have now completed sorting out the evacuation kit for the dog/


 
 

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Firefighters battle West Melton blaze
SHAHRA WALSH AND FRANCESA LEE
Last updated 18:37 19/01/2013

ABLAZE: The police and fire service block off Weedons Ross Rd, near the West Melton aerodrome.

A scrub fire broke out in West Melton this afternoon.

The fire service was called to the site, near the intersection of Weedons Ross Rd and Rifle Range Rd at 3.45pm today.

A fire communications spokesperson said the fire was "well-involved" and in the same area that was hit by fires on January 11.

Eight water tankers, six pumping units and three helicopters were helping firefighters battle the blaze.

There were concerns about the fire's proximity to the West Melton aerodrome, which was currently storing 50,000 litres of fuel.

The two main access points into the area, which bordered the Waimakariri River and was close to pine plantations, have been closed.

No major roads have been affected at this stage.

Residents were urged to avoid the area, but no evacuation warnings had been issued.

Christchurch residents reported smelling smoke in the south-western suburbs.

"I can smell burning in Hei Hei, Christchurch. wonder if there is another fire somewhere - it is windy and hot enough," tweeted Sam Ragnarsson.

Trade Me user slimgym posted: "hornby just went outside could smell and see smoke but looks as if its coming clearer now."

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