Firefighters battle Christchurch blaze

The Press

WATER DROP: Helicopters with monsoon buckets help fight a fire in the Christchurch suburb of Wigram.

The Press

IN THE HEAT: Firefighters on the frontline battle the blaze in the Christchurch suburb of Wigram.

Wood chipping plant blaze

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A major fire will keep Christchurch firefighters busy through the night.

The blaze, which began at about 6pm in the suburb of Wigram, 9km from the city centre, is sending plumes of smoke that can be seen across the city.

Five fire trucks, three tankers and 20 firefighters are fighting it on the ground with support form two helicopters.Several diggers are also working to create fire breaks.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Burford said he expected firefighters would have to work through the night to control the blaze.

It is believed the fire started in a chipping machine at the Owaka Road Eco Park, a construction and demolition site.
Burford said there was no danger to the public.

- © Fairfax NZ News