Six helicopters are battling a large fire at Coronet Peak this evening.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire was located at a 29 hectares pine plantation on Skippers Road.

The blaze was only being attacked by aerial crews at this stage.

Meanwhile, further north, Cantabrians are being asked to take particular care not to spark an unwanted fire on Friday, as the fire danger is likely to rise sharply for a period.

Friday’s temperature high in Christchurch could get to 29 degrees.

Skippers and Coronet Peak roads had been closed.