Grass fire threatens to jump SH1 in North Canterbury

Three helicopters and five fire appliances have been scrambled to a grass fire which is threatening to jump State Highway 1 just south of Cheviot. 

Fire and Emergency NZ were notified of the fire, which stretches around 200 metres, just after 2pm.  

FENZ Southern Communications shift manager Karl Patterson says three helicopters from nearby areas are joining two fire engines and a tanker from Cheviot, along with two fire engines from Scargill.  

He says they’ve sent in the helicopters to stop the fire from jumping the highway and into nearby trees at Domett, seven kilometres south of Cheviot.  

At this time, no people or property are threatened.