Photo: Michael Oliver
A freight train has caused a number of spot fires this afternoon between Aylesbury and Darfield.
Fire and Emergency received multiple calls about the fires along the tracks at 4.15pm.
A KiwiRail spokesperson confirmed to Chris Lynch Media that a freight train shunting wagons from a milk factory in West Rolleston was held back in Darfield after it created a number of grass fires along the track.
“The train has stopped while the incident is being investigated and fire emergency services are on site.
No one was hurt and no other services were interrupted.”
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said a number of houses are under threat, especially in the Kirwee area.
“We are doing our utmost to ensure none of these properties sustain any damage.”
Photo: Michael Oliver
“Police are assisting with road closures and we are asking the public to please stay away from the area while we fight these fires.
The fires are not contained at this time and our crews are spread across multiple fires.”
Three helicopters have been fighting the fires, alongside 17 ground crews, including pumps, tankers, smoke chasers and a Command Unit.
Crews are in attendance from Kirwee, Darfield, West Melton, Hororata, Dunsandel, Springfield, Wigram, Canterbury High Country and the Christchurch Command Unit.
