Port Hills Fire Public Update – Sunday 26 February
Media Update – 9.50am
It has been drizzling on the Port Hills this morning. The current fire situation is outlined below:
• Infra-red and thermal imaging drones were used overnight to identify hotspots. Results showed very hot temperatures (greater than 100 degrees) in a pine forest north of Marleys Hill. Firecrews are monitoring this site closely for potential flare ups. Hot spots were also identified at the Adventure Park and this is also being monitored.
• Firecrews continue to dampen hotspots around residential properties in upper Summit Road and Worsleys Road.
• Two remote weather stations have been installed across the fire ground and dangerous tree removal is continuing to take place.
Cordons
• We are getting a lot of queries about when Dyers Pass Road will reopen to the public. Please note at this stage three hard cordons remain on Dyers Pass Road. One is at the bottom where it meets Governors Bay Road, however residents who live on the section up to the hairpin bend about halfway up to the Sign of the Kiwi are permitted access to their properties. Dyers Pass Road is closed from this hairpin bend to the entrance of Victoria Park due to the fire risk and safety issues, preparations are underway to have the road open as soon as possible, after the risk mitigation work is completed. We will update you if the cordon situation changes.
• While cordons at Worsleys Road, Kennedys Bush Road, Hoon Hay Valley Road and Dyers Pass Road have been relaxed, this is for residents only. There is still no access for members of the public.
• We are reminding people to resist the temptation to come and have a look around the area, this includes mountain bikers, runners and dog walkers. The area remains an operational fire zone with cordons still in place.
Walking and cycling tracks
We know that Sunday is a pretty popular day for recreational walkers and cyclists on the Port Hills and it’s great news that Rapaki, Mt Vernon Shared Use and Mt Vernon Farm tracks have reopened. However, tracks around Huntsbury, Bowenvale and into Victoria Park remain closed, as well as Halswell Quarry. See full list of track closures here
Interactive hot-spots map
Several people have reported difficulty viewing the interactive hot-spots map on Apple mobile devices. Minimising the legend may help you see the detail on the map. To do this, click on the small arrow at the top left of the legend panel.

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