Fires are raging in Christchurch’s Port Hills and the surrounding areas, forcing thousands to be evacuated from their homes.
Here’s what you need to know:
State of emergency
A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch and Selwyn due to the fires ablaze on the Port Hills. The fire now covers more than 18 square kilometres or 1800 hectares.
Evacuations
Reports suggest around 450 homes have been evacuated, with between 800-1000 people forced to leave their homes. Eight houses are believed to have been damaged by the fire.
Police and the Defence Force have been working through the night to monitor the area.
Affected areas include:
Houses downhill of the Sign of the Takahe on Dyers Pass Road as far as and including Kiteroa Place and Pentre Terrace
Cashmere Hills in the area between Sign of the Takahe and Victoria Park. This includes Victoria Park Road, Pentre Terrace and Dyers Pass, south of Takahe Drive
Long Hurst Terrace, off Dyers Pass Road
The Port Hills around Worsleys and Cashmere Roads
Early Valley Road.
Some areas of Westmorland and Cracroft.
Houses on Kennedys Bush Road and its intersecting streets, from Halswell Quarry up towards the end of Kennedys Bush Road
Evacuation Centres
Evacuation centres have been set up at:
Halswell Library
The Selwyn Events Centre in Lincoln
Te Hapua Halswell Centre
Halswell Rd
Nga Hau e Wha Marae, Pages Rd
Road Closures
A number of Canterbury roads have been shut off, and police are warning curious people to stay away from the area.
Cashmere Road is closed west of Kaiwara Street through to Kennedys Bush Road
Hoon Hay Valley Road from Cashmere Road
Kennedys Bush Road is closed from the roundabout with Rock Hill Drive. This includes the southbound cycle track
Worsleys Track closed from Worsleys Road
Dyers Pass Road between Hackthorne Road to Governors Bay Road
Summit Road between Gebbies Pass and Rapaki Track
Old Tai Tapu Road between Osterholts Road and Early Valley Road
Early Valley Road is closed
Holmes Road is closed
Christchurch Adventure Park is closed
School closures
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that both Governors Bay School and Cashmere Primary School are closed. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Weather
Thursday – 14C-21C. Fine apart from morning and evening cloud. Fresh Northeast winds.
Friday – 14C-21C. Cloudy, occasional rain from afternoon. Northeasterly.
Health
While the smoke spreading across the city poses no health risk, people have been told to stay inside where possible.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health has advised that anyone suffering respiratory issues contact their GP.
Fire ban
A total fire ban is now in place from South Canterbury through to the north end of the Hurunui District, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
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