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 fierce blaze devouring the Port Hills in Christchurch has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people and a state of emergency has been declared.
The fire, which has been raging since Monday, has sent thick smoke plumes across the city.
Five houses have been destroyed so far and still others are at risk.
A Three webcam has captured the smoke spreading and flames climbing on Tuesday evening and into the night.
The scene was described as "hell on Earth" by a witness who phoned into RadioLIVE.
Police and the Defence Force are continuing to evacuate those at risk, and warn others living near the blaze should be prepared to evacuate at short notice.
"Please check in on your neighbours tonight as many people, particularly those living alone, may be feeling anxious," Senior Sergeant Steve Bothamley says.
The Selwyn Events Centre on Meijer Dr, Lincoln and the Halswell Library in Christchurch have been set up as evacuation centres.
- Christchurch helicopters stood down from firefighting
- New video shows devastation at Christchurch Adventure Park
- Smoke chokes sky in Port Hills aerial fire photo
- Christchurch Council to residents: Get out now
- Smoke from Port Hills fire seen from satellite
- State of emergency declared 'too late' - Brownlee
Newshub.
