Firefighters and helicopters are battling two major scrub fires in Rangiora this morning, with Canterbury set for another scorcher today. Residents living in the path of the smoke were being told to keep their windows and doors shut. Fire and Emergency NZ confirmed this morning it was now battling two scrub fires in the area but was too busy to give the Herald details. Sharon Miller, from west Rangiora, said there was a haze over the town this morning and a strong smell of smoke. Photo: SuppliedMetService has forecast Rangiora to reach a high of 31C today, with similar windy conditions that saw vegetation fires across Canterbury on Saturday.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 02, 2020 19:17 UTC