Multiple crews and helicopters are working to tackle a large fire that has consumed 200 hectares of bushland on Defense Force grounds in Canterbury.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said it was notified of the incident near Tekapo shortly before 11.30am.

“We can confirm that a fire broke out at Tekapo Military Range today following the scheduled disposal of ammunition. No personnel were injured,” a Defense Force spokesman said.

“Additional NZDF resources are being transferred to Tekapo to support our response.”

The fire, which engulfed 200 hectares of bush, has not yet been localized.

“There is currently no threat to people or buildings,” a FENZ spokesman said.

Currently, two fire crews and three helicopters are fighting the fire. The fourth helicopter is already on its way. FENZ said crews were mainly fighting the fire from the air as the affected area was difficult to access by road and on foot.

This is due to strong westerly winds and warm weather in the region.