Christchurch Civil Defence Update
Sunday 19 February 2017

Public Update 8.30am

Managed access to Hoon Hay Valley Road and Kennedys Bush Road.

The green light has been given to today’s managed access for residents to properties behind the Hoon Hay Valley Road and Kennedys Bush cordons.
We note that this is really short notice so there will be some flexibility for residents are running short of time. The access has been extended until noon today in recognition of how important it is for residents. Residents still need to register to gain access. The can be done today at the sign in points noted below. The reason for signing in and out is so emergency services know who is beyond the cordon at any time.
Sign in points:
• Kennedys Bush Road: 8am registration for 9am access at bottom of hill prior to access to Halswell Quarry off Kennedys Bush Road
• Hoon Hay Valley Road: 9am registration for 10am access at cordon access point outside 51 Hoon Hay Valley Road

We are advising the public to be prepared for waits at the cordon as there will be a number of people registering. Residents will be required to sign in to receive vehicle access stickers and a safety briefing. We will be ensuring all vehicles and occupants leave the cordoned area and they will be given a 15 minute warning of when the access will end.

Firefighting Update
Significant progress was made overnight to assess fire containment lines (the buffer between the fire zone and residential homes). The fire remains under control, but it is not yet out. Progress around the full perimeter of the fire indicates that it is 68 per cent controlled, which means either bare earth or blacked-out ground for 10 metres.
Hot spots mean there is still a risk of flare ups, especially with winds and temperatures forecast to rise .
Firefighting efforts today will continue to identify and put out hot spots and to conduct more drops of fire retardant, particularly in the Marley’s Hill area to strengthen containment lines around Sugarloaf communications aerial.

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