Crews will be monitoring a vegetation fire overnight as it continues to burn along State Highway 1 south of Burnham, Canterbury.
The fire is estimate to have burned through 30 hectares, including part of the Selwyn River bed and adjoining farmland.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand incident commander Mike Johns said in an update at 8pm today that the response "is beginning to be scaled back slowly".
However, "multiple" crews, fire trucks, and tankers remain at the scene, Johns said. Two helicopters with monsoon buckets are also providing assistance.
A number of grass fires have broken out by SH1 near Burnham in Canterbury. (Source: 1News)
Three houses were evacuated as a precaution earlier today. The residents have since been allowed to return home.
A shed was destroyed in the fire.
A fire burns in south Burnham. (Source: Supplied)
Berry told media earlier today that the fire was about to be declared contained but firefighters would likely be at the scene for a few more days.
People have been advised to avoid the area and follow the instructions of fire crews.
SH1 between Dunsandel and Burnham was closed but has since reopened.
It follows a spate of wildfires in West Melton and Castle Hill in recent days.
"We've had a fair hiding this weekend, and the firefighters, we're asking a lot of them," Berry said.
A fire burns in south Burnham, Christchurch. (Source: Supplied)
He urged people to "please be careful out there because we are expecting some more fires".
A fire investigation is underway.
The blaze is believed to have been linked to a vehicle which had a tyre blowout, according to preliminary findings.
The cause of the fire will not be confirmed until the investigation is complete.
