Wildfires in Canterbury, New Zealand
Canterbury is a region of New Zealand — tussock grassland, high-country stations, plantation forest and the Southern Alps. This live map tracks every wildfire and satellite hotspot detected across Canterbury, updated continuously from NASA satellite data and official national fire sources. Wildfires here peak from December to March, when dry tussock and the hot, gusty nor-west wind can carry a fire across open high country very quickly. Its capital is Christchurch. Other main centres include Timaru and Ashburton.
Current fires in Canterbury
No significant fires are currently detected in Canterbury.
Main towns
Christchurch Timaru Ashburton
Neighbouring regions
Wildfire season in Canterbury
Wildfires across Canterbury peak from December to March, when dry tussock and the hot, gusty nor-west wind can carry a fire across open high country very quickly. Higher temperatures, low humidity and wind make fires start and spread faster — check the fire-danger level before lighting any fire or working outdoors.
What the Canterbury fire map shows
Every fire on this page is an automatic heat detection from NASA satellites (VIIRS and MODIS), grouped into fire events and updated continuously; where official national sources publish data, it is shown alongside. Satellite detections are not verified on the ground — never use them for safety decisions, and always follow the emergency services (call 111).
Frequently asked questions
When is the wildfire season in Canterbury?
Which places in Canterbury does the map cover?
Where does the Canterbury wildfire data come from?
Is the Canterbury fire map official?
⚠️ The fires shown are automatic satellite heat detections from NASA FIRMS. They are not verified on the ground and are not 100% accurate — they can include false alarms (industrial heat, burn-offs) or miss small or cloud-covered fires. Do not use this map for safety decisions; always follow Fire and Emergency New Zealand.