Large tyre fire in Dunsandel sends black smoke towards Christchurch
Thursday 24 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Firefighters are battling a large blaze involving a pile of tyres on Old South Road in Dunsandel. The thick black smoke is visible from Christchurch, approximately 40km away. Residents have been advised to close their windows and avoid the area.
Key facts
3 facts
- Location: Old South Rd, Dunsandel, Canterbury
- Cause: A large pile of tyres caught fire
- Visibility: Black smoke visible from Christchurch, 40km away
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Fire crews are working to extinguish a large fire involving a pile of tyres on Old South Rd in Dunsandel. The blaze has produced significant amounts of black smoke that is visible from Christchurch, approximately 40km away.
Emergency services were notified of the fire around 12.30pm or 12.35pm on Thursday. By 2pm, crews were still on the scene tackling the fire.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) advised residents to stay away from the area. Fenz also requested that people close all windows and doors if they are downwind of the smoke.
The response includes approximately seven fire engines or tankers. These vehicles have come from Dunsandel, Rakaia, Rolleston, South Bridge, and Burnham.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ slightly on the exact time emergency services were notified, citing either 12.30pm or 12.35pm
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, The Press and Stuff.