A scrub fire near Templeton south of Christchurch which closed State Highway 1 was brought under control yesterday.
The fire broke out near Jones Rd about 4pm and started after an old burn-off flared up.
Emergency services initially feared the fire would grow.
However, SH 1 (Main South Rd) was reopened about 6pm.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Andrew Norris said crews from Rolleston, Lincoln, Sockburn and several other stations attended the blaze, as well as two helicopters.
He said while crews were battling the fire, a second blaze erupted nearby and the Wigram crew and one tanker were diverted from the main scene to put it out about 5.30pm.
"It was a smouldering fire of about 20m to 30m. It will probably be found to be a part of the main fire."
