Port Hill Fires Media Release

14 February 2017 9:30am

To be attributed to Dave Berry, Canterbury Area Commander, New Zealand Fire Service

Fire crews are battling two fires on the Port Hills that started on 13 February. 72 Rural and New Zealand Fire Service firefighters, four helicopters and 18 units including water tankers and fire appliances were at the scene throughout the night.

There is now a stronger north west wind picking up so resources are now being focused on an aerial attack of the fires. Up to 15 helicopters are fighting the blaze, along with 10 rural tankers and one New Zealand Defence Force tanker at the scene.

We know Christchurch residents will be feeling unsettled by the sight of the blaze. Our advice to the public is to please stay away from the scene. Police have set up road blocks at Lansdowne and Summit roads.

At this stage, we are unable to confirm damage to property or the cause of the fire.

--ENDS--

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