There were chaotic scenes as property owners were forced to evacuate when high temperatures fuelled a flurry of vegetation fires across North Canterbury.
As the West Coast got set for a dramatic downpour of rain, temperatures in Canterbury exceeded 30°C, sparking widespread vegetation fires across the region.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) evacuated properties in and around Loburn and locals worked to move livestock and animals from surrounding paddocks.
There were four separate scrub fires near the town of Loburn, which is north of Rangiora, across the Ashley River, which were forcing evacuations.
A reporter at the scene said roads were blocked, smoke was billowing, homes had been evacuated and people were coughing and rushing around the area the fire was affecting.
"We were all just coughing and spewing in the smoke.
"People were getting overcome by the heat and smoke. I had to stop and help one man who was desperate for water."
The cordons were still in place and evacuated residents were advised to go to the Rangiora Showgrounds.
About 50 properties had been evacuated in the Loburn area, and several structures had been destroyed, Newshub reported.
"Fire investigators will be working with the landowners tomorrow to determine the cause of the fire," he said.
Forty trucks, more than 100 crew and six helicopters were involved in fighting the fires, Mr Hands said.
"Unfortunately, we have lost three houses and a church and there will probably be more confirmed," Mr Hands said.
Crews would remain at the Loburn fire overnight to ensure it did not spread, he said.
Earlier in the day, a large fire in Amberley also forced residents from their homes.
A Fenz spokesman said crews were called to a fire in Racecourse Rd about 1.20pm.
Multiple tankers and three helicopters responded to the fire, which was burning through tree stumps, grass, tyres and car wrecks.
It was estimated to be 1km by 500m in size.
By 4.45pm the fire was contained but cordons remained in place while heavy machinery was brought in to support firefighters and two helicopters, which worked to completely extinguish the fire.
Residents who were evacuated from the area near the fire were being allowed managed access to their properties by police and Fenz personnel. — Additional reporting The New Zealand Herald
