A large scrub fire has broken out in Canterbury's West Melton this afternoon.
Twelve fire appliances and as many as 30 fire fighters are believed to have responded to the incident on Thompson Street, as hot weather and warm winds keep fire danger very high.
The Fire Service was alerted to the fire around 1pm.
“We’re trying to stop the potential of it being a very big fire,” a Fire Service communications spokesperson said.
No properties are thought to be in danger as yet, however The Press reports that as many as three choppers have been called in to help fight the blaze.
TV3

and from Suezy
Suezy says it is close and if the wind turns her and her husband will be in trouble.
Its got into the pine forest Suez says.
The problem they have out there is they need water tankers and right now Suez reckons they need more and more fire fighters so it does not get away on them.
Suez will be in with progress report when she can.

Update from NZHerald:

Eleven fire trucks are on the scene to help fight the blaze.
He said the fire service had not received any information about whether or not any homes were threatened.

Its all pending on any wind change.

Yes we are fine Jenny - thankfully  it was not blowing a nor wester as it would have meant trouble for a lot of people.  We have to have tankers rather than the fire engines from town as do not have fire hydrants out our way and the tankers can take water from the water races and swimming pools and anything else that can hold water.
Just heard on the TV that we are due for a nor wester tomorrow - ugh!!!
Just what we do not need and will be packing an emergency bag to keep by the vehicles to load up if necessary in an emergency quick trip.  Dog food and water will be going in first.
My son will be here tomorrow so without a doubt will be loading up my scanner that I have it on the fire stations only as my other one conked out so he got me one for Xmas.  They are very useful out here as you get to hear where the fire is - how bad it is etc etc. I set up a ring around for our area for exercises such as this so that they are aware if things should be decided what to do for themselves.  No doubt will get a few calls from the neighbors fairly soon saying - why I did not ring them - like I did last time when we had power cuts.  LOL
Will be off to bed early tonight as completely worn out with the painters here - no curtains up which is ghastly - and all the phone calls I have had today and loads of visitors - one that I have not seen for over a year too. Dont get ,me wrpg but I love seeing people and talking too but I am just so so tired as have not been sleeping owing to the very warm nights.
Take care everyone and sleep tire and stay safe.
PS Have to do my office called the War Offie by OH and have well over 1000 books and loads of other stuff too numerous to mention to pack up before next Tuesday for the Painters. The thought of that alone makes me tired just thinking about it.