Several towns in the South Island/Te Waipounamu are being evacuated due to at least eight vegetation fires on Saturday, says Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ).
Rob Hands, mid-south Canterbury district manager for FENZ said the fires are being fanned by strong winds and are widespread - especially in Canterbury/Waitaha.
"They range from Amberley, Waipara, Springfield, Rangiora, Rakaia, Leeston and Tekapō," Hands said.
Another is burning in Shannon (Otago).
Earlier on Saturday, FENZ had asked the public not to light outdoor fires, due to high winds.
Residents on Racecourse Rd in Broomfield (near Amberley) had to be evacuated due to a fast-moving fire there.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black told RNZ firefighters were coming from up to 30km away to help with the Broomfield fire.
Residents on Rubicon Rd in Springfield (south of Midland Rd) should prepare to evacuate too, said FENZ. Police will notify them if they need to leave.
But Hands said the Amberley fire is currently the most worrying, having already burnt down two buildings and a caravan, with more properties in the firing line.
Residents of five homes were told to leave.
One Waipara resident was also told to leave their home due to the blaze there.
"A front over the south of the South Island continues to move northeast. The front is bringing a period of heavy rain to Westland, and severe gale west to northwesterlies to parts of central and southern New Zealand," said MetService on Saturday morning.
A strong wind warning (orange) applies to Canterbury/Waitaha High Country, lasting from 9am to 5pm on Saturday.
"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and check for areas being added or upgraded," MetService said.
