Firefighters are battling a large scrub fire in Canterbury.
Crews were alerted to the fire in Bridge Hill, near Craigieburn at 4.24am today.
A school group was evacuated from their camp as a precaution and are all safe, and well away from the fire, Fire and Emergency NZ said.
The 2ha fire is near State Highway 73 but smoke was so far not affecting the road.
Four helicopters and seven fire appliances were at the scene.
A spokesperson said strong winds were hampering efforts to control and extinguish the fire.
In a Facebook post this morning, FENZ said there was concern about people looking at the fire as they drive past.
“Please keep your eyes on the road! We don’t need a crash on top of what we are dealing with.”
The New Zealand Transport Agency/ Waka Kotahi Agency is advising motorists to expect delays through SH73.
