Fire has stopped trains on the main south line at Dromore in South Canterbury.
Police and the Fire Service are attending a series of blazes along State Highway 1. It is not known how they started.
SH1 has been closed with a detour around the scene which is estimated to add about 15 minutes to the time to travel through the area.
The approximate detour is at SH1 & Somerton Rd in the south, and SH1 & Wilkinsons Rd in the north. Motorists are advised to take care in the area.
Trains on the main south line have been stopped as a safety measure.
