The New Zealand Fire Service is mobilising its two North Island Urban Search and Rescue taskforces to support the third taskforce which is based in Christchurch.

The National Commander Mike Hall says the Canterbury earthquake is a national disaster and the Fire Service is responding with all its resources.
Plans are underway to send fire appliances and personnel from other parts of the South Island to Christchurch to assist with the emergency response.

Personnel from other parts of the country are also being prepared for mobilisation for immediate deployment, and as relief personnel over the coming days.

Note: There is no one available at this time at National Headquarters to speak to the media. We will update our website www.fire.org.nz/media with press releases when we can. Short bursts of information will be posted to our Facebook site: New Zealand Fire Service.

ENDS