A large fire in North Canterbury has engulfed about one square kilometre of forest.
Emergency services were called to the blaze in a forestry block near Pines Beach about 2.30am.
The Fire Service said more than 10 crews tackled the fire and a helicopter with a monsoon bucket was at the scene.
Crews have brought the blaze under control and by mid morning three teams remained at the site, dampening down hotspots.
