1News

Black smoke towers into the sky as firefighters battle Canterbury blaze

May 17, 2020

Multiple crews are on hand to fight the Rolleston fire. (Source: Other)

Fire crews are currently battling a major blaze in Rolleston, a town near Christchurch.

Video from the fire shows massive towers of black smoke pouring into the sky as firefighters battle for control of the blaze.

Fourteen crews totalling around 50 firefighters are battling the blaze on Weddons Rd, Rolleston, a Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson confirmed to 1 NEWS.

Fire crews are prepared to work through the night fighting the fire. (Source: Other)

No injuries have been reported, with fire crews expecting to battle the blaze well into the night.

People are warned to stay away from the area with the blaze yet to be contained, while thick smoke is affecting visibility on nearby State Highway 1.

New Zealand Christchurch and Canterbury

SHARE ME

More Stories

When Christchurch's Tri-Rugby team was founded in 2020, they dreamed of one day having international fixtures, and now five years on, that's becoming a reality.

First international fixtures for NZ’s first fully disabled rugby team

The team based out of High School Old Boys' Club in Christchurch will host Australia in a two-match series.

9:51am

1:53

Incumbent Phil Mauger and contender Sara Templeton spoke to Q+A's Jack Tame.

Clash over rates, transport in Q+A Christchurch mayoral debate

Incumbent mayor Phil Mauger went head-to-head with frontrunner opponent Sara Templeton in the televised debate.

5:00pm

28:44

Weather warnings and watches in place for Saturday and Sunday.

Canterbury residents urged to prepare ahead of 'dangerous' winds

Civil Defense warned of destructive 150km/h gusts as severe weather threatens to batter much of the South Island and lower North.

Saturday 10:26am

Six Mongrel Mob members jailed after violent Southland crime spree

In January 2022, the area began experiencing a slew of violent offending that spanned several months, including drive-by shootings and violent assaults.

Fri, Sep 19

Swathe of weather watches and warnings issued for the South Island

MetService meteorologist John Law said there would be more strong winds and heavy rain in store for the weekend.

Fri, Sep 19

Donna Moot runs Turtle Rescue in Christchurch and is caring for almost 80 turtles.

Increasing numbers of pet turtles being found in South Island waterways

Turtle rescuer Donna Moot is at capacity and fears more to come.

Fri, Sep 19

1:29

Canterbury residents urged to prepare ahead of 'dangerous' winds

Civil Defense warned of destructive 150km/h gusts as severe weather threatens to batter much of the South Island and lower North.

Saturday 10:26am

Six Mongrel Mob members jailed after violent Southland crime spree

In January 2022, the area began experiencing a slew of violent offending that spanned several months, including drive-by shootings and violent assaults.

Fri, Sep 19

Swathe of weather watches and warnings issued for the South Island

MetService meteorologist John Law said there would be more strong winds and heavy rain in store for the weekend.

Fri, Sep 19

Increasing numbers of pet turtles being found in South Island waterways

Turtle rescuer Donna Moot is at capacity and fears more to come.

Fri, Sep 19

1:29

First international fixtures for NZ’s first fully disabled rugby team

The team based out of High School Old Boys' Club in Christchurch will host Australia in a two-match series.

9:51am

1:53

Clash over rates, transport in Q+A Christchurch mayoral debate

Incumbent mayor Phil Mauger went head-to-head with frontrunner opponent Sara Templeton in the televised debate.

5:00pm

28:44

Canterbury residents urged to prepare ahead of 'dangerous' winds

Civil Defense warned of destructive 150km/h gusts as severe weather threatens to batter much of the South Island and lower North.

Saturday 10:26am

Six Mongrel Mob members jailed after violent Southland crime spree

In January 2022, the area began experiencing a slew of violent offending that spanned several months, including drive-by shootings and violent assaults.

Fri, Sep 19

Swathe of weather watches and warnings issued for the South Island

MetService meteorologist John Law said there would be more strong winds and heavy rain in store for the weekend.

Fri, Sep 19

Increasing numbers of pet turtles being found in South Island waterways

Turtle rescuer Donna Moot is at capacity and fears more to come.

Fri, Sep 19

1:29

VIEW MORE NEW ZEALAND STORIES

Latest

Popular

6 mins ago

Hundreds of millions in offshore betting on amateur NZ football