The Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that five helicopters were deployed to combat the fire, which had been burning since Thursday night in a forestry block north of Waipara.
Firefighters had successfully contained the blaze on Sunday morning after it had scorched over 100 hectares before the winds intensified.
“High gusty winds have sparked several new fires this afternoon,” stated Fire and Emergency in a press release.
“The fire has breached the containment line and is now uncontained and uncontrolled.
“We are utilizing all available resources to gain control of the fire, with five helicopters actively responding.”
Earlier this year, a 300-hectare vegetation fire in the Waikari Valley had necessitated evacuations in Waipara.
Fire and Emergency urged the public to refrain from lighting outdoor fires and to ensure any recently extinguished fires were completely put out.
