Welcome news for people in Waipara Valley, in North Canterbury, who are being allowed home tonight

A major blaze broke out last night - and spread to cover 300 hectares.

It's contained, but not yet extinguished - after jumping a containment line today.

Incident commander Des Irving says crews and personnel have come from the West Coast and around the country to help.

He says it means they have enough human resources and appliances to manage the Waikari fire, as well as the Port Hills blaze.