Christchurch fires trigger state of emergency

15/02/2017
Lloyd Burr

What you need to know:

Several houses have been destroyed
The fire has crossed Dyers Pass Road into Victoria Park
A state of emergency has been declared and the Defence Force called in
Helicopters have been stood down
If you're at all worried, ring 111 and self evacuate. Don't wait until someone knocks on your door.

Evacuated areas:

South side of Cashmere Rd to Kennedy's Bush Rd and to Hoon Hay Valley Rd
Residents in the area from the Sign of the Takehe to Victoria Park
Several hundred people have been officially evacuated from homes in Long Hurst Terrace, Worsley Rd, Cracroft, the bottom of Hoon Hay Valley Rd and the Westmorland area
Hundreds of others across the hills have self-evacuated as the fire spreads.

Where to go:

Welfare centres for evacuated residents have been set up at Te Hāpua Halswell Centre on Halswell Rd, Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae on Pages Rd and the Selwyn Events centre on Meijer Dr.

A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch City and Selwyn District, the areas' mayors have announced, but Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says it's come too late.

The declaration follows the evacuation of 200-300 residents on the outskirts of the city.

Both Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Selwyn District Mayor Sam Broughton said the city needs to band together to ensure the safety and welfare of residents.

"Christchurch needs a multi-agency response given the seriousness of the situation. We need to be able to draw on all the resources possible to give our residents confidence in the ongoing response," Ms Dalziel says.

But Mr Brownlee told Newshub he was concerned Civil Defence was not "crisp enough" after Kaikoura and this was another prime example.

He said Defence Force logistics officers had been in Christchurch today to see what was needed and larger numbers had been activated.

Some people in the suburbs of Halswell, Westmorland and Selwyn have been evacuated from their homes.

New video shows devastation at Christchurch adventure park

Houses on Kennedys Bush Road and its intersecting streets are being evacuated from Halswell Quarry up towards the end of Kennedys Bush Road. Those who have left their homes should head to Halswell Library.

Smoke across the sky from the Christchurch fires — The smoke billowing across the sky in Christchurch (Supplied/Greg Downie)

Displaced residents in Selwyn have been asked to make their way to Selwyn Events Centre on Meijer Drive, Lincoln for further information.

Evacuated Westmorland resident Elise Wilson says she filled her car and left as soon as she could.

"We were advised to get out, they are not letting anyone in, so if you leave you can't get back in," she said.

Ms Dalziel says a city response is also required to ensure the safety and welfare of residents.

"Christchurch needs a multi-agency response given the seriousness of the situation. We need to be able to draw on all the resources possible to give our residents confidence in the ongoing response."

Mr Broughton says the declaration "recognises the seriousness of the situation".

"This will allow us to provide all the assistance necessary to respond to the unfolding situation.

"The district and the city must work together to manage the situation and address the different challenges the fire is creating in each area."

Newshub.