Emergency services were alerted to a scrub fire near Cust at approximately 2.45pm this afternoon (4 February 2015).
Canterbury Police can confirm that Scenic Highway 72 reopened shortly after 5pm after the Fire Service brought the blaze under control. The nearby property was not damaged.
12 Fire Appliances from Cust, Rangiora, Swannanoa and Oxford attended this and another smaller scrub fire nearby. There are no reports of anybody being injured at either fire near Cust.
This is a timely reminder of how dry conditions are in Canterbury and coupled with strong winds a small fire can rapidly spread and in this case endangering property.
The Fire Service advise everyone to take extra care especially if mowing lawns or harrowing paddocks over the long weekend. Most of Canterbury is in a prohibited fire season so please check with your local council if unsure.
Always call 111 immediately in an emergency and if you see smoke or fire.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
