A Canterbury farmer is trying to come to grips with losing his entire home to a fire.
Out of control flames fuelled by strong winds destroyed 76-year-old Rodger Knowles' Darfield home and shed, despite efforts to save the property.
Fire crews battled to save five other homes in the region as another large fire broke out in Mt Somers forcing the evacuation of a number of residents in the area.
Selwyn principal rural fire officer, Douglas Marshall says now begins the tricky work to stomp out the fire completely.
"The fire is not one big burnt out area; it is a numerous number of small burnt out areas. This is why it was so challenging yesterday in that strong wind."
Fire crews will spend the remainder of the day working to dampen down hotspots.
Newshub.
