Firefighters have worked through the night to monitor the fireground for potential flare-ups following yesterday’s fire near Burnham.
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Helicopter operations ceased at 10 p.m., but ground crews, supported by the Command Unit, remained active throughout the night to ensure the situation stayed under control.
A KiwiRail spokesperson said “yesterday afternoon, at the request of Fire and Emergency, KiwiRail temporarily closed the train line between Rolleston and Bankside due to nearby grass fires.
The fire, which began yesterday afternoon, burned through approximately 30 hectares of land, destroying at least one structure, a large shed, and prompting the evacuation of three homes.
State Highway 1 was temporarily closed south of Burnham but has since reopened.
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Trains were also forced to hold their positions while fire crews made rail tracks safe.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) deployed significant resources to contain the blaze.
Six helicopters and multiple ground crews were used yesterday, with aerial operations expected to resume this morning.
Photo: Linda Kuipers
Tankers from local volunteer fire brigades have been working to shuttle water to the affected areas, while heavy machinery has been used to create firebreaks.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have started due to a vehicle tyre blowout, which sparked flames in the dry grass.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause.
A bird was rescued by a New Zealand Defence Force member from the fireground. It was last seen perched in a tree, unharmed.
Crews were curious about the species and welcome any insights from the public.
FENZ
