The fire looks to be taking hold at Christchurch Adventure Park. Image: Ryan Burnett.
Firefighters, helicopters and heavy machinery have started work this morning to bring a fire at Christchurch’s Port Hills under control, while eyewitnesses say the fire has spread to the adventure park.
In this morning’s update, Fire and Emergency NZ said there are 23 appliances, 15 helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft focused on retardant drops. They will relieve crews who monitored the fire ground overnight.
The overnight crews focused firefighting efforts on the Summit Road flank. There were no major flare ups overnight, they said.
Today’s priority for crews will be strengthening containment lines and continuing with structure protection.
Fire encroaching on the Christchurch Adventure Park (middle line is the chairlift). Image: Alaina Rhind.
Those on nearby properties have told Chris Lynch Media that the fire has made its way to the Christchurch Adventure Park, but attempts from this newsroom to confirm these reports with the park’s manager are yet to be returned.
A community meeting will be held for impacted residents at Te Hāpua Halswell Centre at 11am.
This morning, two helicopters will be diverted to a vegetation fire burning through scrub in the vicinity of View Hill. They will assist six crews who are mopping up, focusing on areas of unsafe terrain.
Daybreak on the Port Hills. Image: Ryan Burnett.
All roadblocks remain in place and people are asked to stay away so emergency services are not delayed in moving in and out of the area.
More information on today’s plan will be known later this morning.
Wildfire as seen from Victoria Park. Image: Mitch Gibbs
Fire crews carried out reassurance checks overnight at Governors Bay and Early Valley Road.
Residents who were evacuated last night were not allowed to return to their homes, while police officers managed cordons to keep property safe.
Meanwhile, the investigation in the cause of the blaze is underway.
Fire investigators are wanting photographs or videos from the public of the Port Hills taken between 1.45pm and 2.45pm on Wednesday.
The period between covers the half hour before the fire was reported until half an hour afterwards.
The public is urged to email them to [email protected] with their name and contact details and the exact time the photo or footage was taken.
The Port Hills on Wednesday night. Image: Angus McKay.
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger and Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton declared a State of Local Emergency on Wednesday evening.
“The declaration means we are better able to coordinate our response across all the various agencies involved, and will mean we can get assistance to where it’s most needed.
“It also means the local Controller can evacuate people or restrict access to affected areas as required,” Mauger said.
Port Hill wildfire just before daybreak. Taken from Westmorland by Johnny Hy.
