Update on Port Hills fires -2pm

Fire-fighting conditions

Please find attached heat maps which were presented at this morning’s public meeting in Spreydon. These maps are from infrared imagery which show hot spots above and below ground. They also show where the cordons are. Right click to open the link.

http://ecan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=f5937e8dbd484c43a4053f39b2ab2187 (Story Map - Canterbury Maps Link)

http://ecan.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=420a5cebc6df4c208fe03740ffeea72a (Map Only)

Drizzle conditions continue – this has positive and negatives. The positive is that it is reducing fire spread, but the downside is it is restricting access to some areas for firefighters.

The protection of property is again being given high priority.

The Fire Service continues to remain concerned about the area around Victoria Park and east of Dyers Pass Road, Marleys Hill electronic equipment and the southern flank of the fire which has terrain and vegetation, suitable for fire spread.

Heavy machinery is being used to establish fire containment lines. This is difficult and dangerous work in steep and uneven terrain.

Geotechnical experts are continuing work to assess the risk of rock-fall in areas where there has been significant loss of vegetation.

Cordons
Cordons remain in place in Worsleys Road, Kennedys Bush Road, Dyers Pass Road at the Sign of the Takahe, and at the top of Huntsbury Avenue. An announcement will be made shortly on these.

Residents are thanked for their patience as risks continue to be assessed around whether or not these cordons can be moved or lifted. Safety is paramount and access can be made available only when the Fire Service determines the risk to be at an acceptable level.

Police and the NZ Defence Force continue to patrol in and around the cordoned areas.

Residents who are still not able to return to their homes after this afternoon’s revision of the cordons, are encouraged to register to gain access to their property for the purposes of collecting critical items, checking on animals. More than 100 registrations have been received. Civil defence will be in touch with these people today to arrange access to their properties as soon as possible.