By RNZ
The Port Hills fire has burnt through more than 630 hectares, sending a thick pall of smoke over Christchurch.
Follow our Port Hills fire live updates here.
About 80 properties have been evacuated in Early Valley, Worsley Spur, Hoon Hay Valley and Kennedys Bush.
A public health warning has been issued and evacuation centres set up.
Here is all the information we have on where those affected by the fire can get help. This story will be updated if any further information is released.
Eighty properties on Worsleys Rd, Worsley Spur, Kennedys Bush and Early Valley have been evacuated.
As well, 30 properties in the Selwyn District have been evacuated.
Evacuation centres are at:
· Halswell Library and Community Centre.
· Lincoln Community Centre for people closer to Selwyn.
Residents concerned about livestock or who had left pets or medications at home are able to get information at the recovery hub at the bottom of Worsley Rd from 8am on Thursday.
As well as Fire and Emergency staff there will also be representatives from Civil Defence, police and other agencies there.
A briefing for evacuated residents would be held at 11am Thursday at the Halswell Community Centre.
A recovery hub has opened for residents displaced by the fire.
It is there to help evacuees deal with any issues at the properties they have left, such as livestock, pets, or medications left behind.
The recovery hub is at the bottom of Worsleys Rd in the Christchurch suburb of Cracroft.
Te Whatu Ora has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire, saying it can worsen pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease.
Anyone affected by the smoke can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
The National Public Health Service said being exposed to an event like a fire can be distressing. Anyone who feels anxious or needs someone to talk to can call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor free of charge.
If life, health or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.
A public meeting for affected residents will be held at Te Hāpua Library and Community Centre at 11am on Thursday.
FENZ regional manager Brad Mosby said the fire covered 630 hectares with a 12km perimeter on Thursday. The main fire was around Summit Road and a fire break had been established at Worsley Spur to Dyers Pass Road.
The fire jumped Summit Rd on Wednesday night and precautions were being taken at the Adventure Park, including removal of chairlifts, however it has been confirmed the fire has spread into the park.
About 80 Fire and Emergency crews and 23 fire appliances were at the scene supported by 13 helicopters and two aircraft dropping retardant.
MetService said gusty northwesterly winds would return on Thursday afternoon along with temperatures in the high 20s are forecast.
A State of Local Emergency was declared for Christchurch City (which includes Banks Peninsula) and Selwyn District on Wednesday.
“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,” Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said.
A public health warning for smoke from the fire was issued on Wednesday by Te Whatu Ora.
Medical Officer of Health Matt Reid said exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions including heart and lung disease.
The smoke could also cause coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation for pregnant, young or elderly people.
People were advised to stay inside, restrict outdoor exercise, switch air-conditioning to recirculate, and keep pets inside.
Anyone feeling anxious there are helplines below to contact.
People were being urged to stay away and not fly drones anywhere near the blaze because the helicopters would need to be grounded.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Police received a report of a fire on Worsley’s Track about 2.15pm on Wednesday.
FENZ was asking anyone with photographs or videos of the Port Hills taken between 1.45pm and 2.45pm on Wednesday to email them to PortHills2024Photos@fireandemergency.nz with your name and contact details, the exact time you took the photo or footage, and where you were.
- RNZ
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