Smoke has drifted across the highway at Thompsons Track, Rakaia. Firefighters have fought a minor blaze at Thompsons Track near Rakaia in mid-Canterbury. A small fire outside the rural Canterbury township caused big plumes of smoke to drift across the highway, holding up traffic. However, it was not putting any buildings or people at risk, Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Riwai Grace said. Sunday's 30 degree Celsius heat provided the "perfect conditions" for fire and smoke to spread, Grace said.

Source: Stuff February 10, 2019 03:00 UTC