A large scrub fire in Canterbury is spreading this afternoon as crews work amid strong winds to contain the blaze.
In an update at 4.25pm Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said nine helicopters, three fixed-wing aircraft and 12 trucks, tankers and support vehicles were still working to contain the fire, which began in Bridge Hill, near Craigieburn, early this morning.
Fenz were first alerted to the blaze at 4.24am and what began as a 2ha fire had by late this afternoon grown to about 450ha and remained out of control.
Part of State Highway 73 is closed, three school camps in the area were evacuated and residents in Castle Hill Village have been told to prepare to leave their houses as a precaution.
Containment efforts have been hampered by high winds and extreme fire behaviour, Fenz said.
MetService meteorologist Sarah Haddon said gales were hitting higher altitudes but lower elevations also had strong winds, RNZ reported. Winds were expected to start to ease slightly from Thursday afternoon and not expected to die out until later on Friday.
"We are seeing extreme fire behaviour and it is continuing to spread, but we are working extremely hard to get this fire contained."
There was no risk to Castle Hill Village as yet, he said, but people should be prepared to leave their homes and take what they need.
"This includes important documents, medication, supplies for pets and other animals, and personal items needed for a couple of days.
Mr Keown said three schools were evacuated from camps in the area as a precaution this morning.
Two were staying at the Environmental Education Centre and the other at Forest Lodge.
In the 4.25pm update Mr McKeown said Flock Hill Lodge, which had been used as an evacuation point for one of the schools previously evacuated, had in turn been evacuated as a precaution.
No other evacuations had taken place.
"Outside of the three schools evacuated from the Environmental Education Centre and Forest Lodge, all other school camps are safe and away from the fire.
"Parents can be assured that their children are not in danger."
SH73 was closed between Castle Hill and Arthur's Pass about 9.30am.
The road would remain shut for some time, he advised.
People should avoid the area and look to make alterative travel arrangements if they were planning to use this road today."
NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi said road users should consider using SH7 as an alternative route.
Police said diversions are in place on SH73 at Castle Hill Village, Arthur's Pass, and Springfield near Annavale Rd.
