Another said the image looked “apocalyptic”.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said the fire was first reported about 9pm.
At 10pm, 10 trucks were on the scene at the end of Thompsons Rd.
“The fire is approximately 1km x 1km, with high winds in the area.
“Evacuations are underway east of Thompsons Rd to McKays Rd. Evacuees can go to West Melton Community Centre.
“Please continue to avoid the area while our crews work.”
Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade said wind is travelling their way and carrying the smoke over.
“Keep doors and windows shut.”
A photographer at the scene says firefighters are going “door to door”.
MetService has a strong wind watch in place for parts of Canterbury tonight, including the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula.
”North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.”
The watch is in place from 9pm tonight until Monday 2am.
The blaze comes days after a huge fire broke out in the Bridge Hill area, leading to school camps and part of a village being evacuated.
The Bridge Hill fire grew to about 1000ha in size, but is now under control.
Meanwhile, a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they responded to a 30m x 30m vegetation fire on Highbrook Drive in Auckland about 9.10pm.
“We sent three fire appliances and a water tanker.
“The fire is now out and one crew remains on site dampening down.”
Witnesses described seeing flames shooting up from the blaze as an orange glow lit up the horizon.
Photos showed smoke billowing from the blaze over a commercial area in Highbrook.
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