Update on Port Hills fires -7am

Six cordons remain in place as at 6.00am. 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 only be made available when the Fire Service determines the risk to be at an acceptable level.

Fire crews have been working through the night monitoring the situation and managing hot spots. The priority has been protecting property. Fire crews have also been working around the 29km perimeter of the fire to ensure it is contained in the fire area. This is preparing for the application of fire retardant today.

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

Residents who are not yet able to return home are encouraged to register to gain access to their property for the purposes of collecting critical items, checking on animals. Around 80 registrations have been received. Civil defence will be in touch with these people around access as soon as possible.

Residents’ meeting

A meeting for affected residents –those in the cordoned areas - will take place at 10.00am this morning at South West Baptist Church Gymnasium, corner Lyttelton Street and Cobham Street, Sydenham.

Speakers are: Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, Christchurch Civil Defence Controller, Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey and representatives from NZ Police and NZ Fire Service or Rural Fire.

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