Multiple crews and helicopters are working to fight a large fire affecting 200 hectares of scrub on Defence Force land in Canterbury.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said it was notified about the incident near Tekapo just before 11.30am.
“We can confirm that a scrub fire has broken out following planned ammunition disposal at Tekapo Military Training Area today. No personnel were injured,” a Defence Force spokesperson said.
“Additional NZDF resources are moving to Tekapo to support our response.”
The blaze, which has affected 200 hectares of scrub, is not yet contained.
“There is currently no threat to any people or buildings,” a FENZ spokesperson said.
Two fire crews and three helicopters are currently fighting the blaze. A fourth helicopter is on the way. FENZ said crews were mainly fighting the fire from the air, as the affected land is hard to access by road and on foot.
It comes as the region experiences strong westerly winds and warm weather.
