For a recap of 1News' updates from Wednesday scroll down. For today's updates, click here.
What to know
- Evacuations are underway as emergency services respond to a "significant" vegetation fire in Christchurch's Port Hills this afternoon.
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand say they were alerted to the blaze on Worsley's Track on Worsleys Rd, near Cracroft, around 2.15pm.
- 25 fire trucks and tankers with 130 firefighters, as well as 11 helicopters with monsoon buckets, are tackling the fire, Fire and Emergency said.
The public is urged to stay away from the area to allow crews to work.
"Onlookers have caused some roads to be congested that may need to be used to evacuate residents," police said this evening.
Fire and Emergency and police spoke to media as firefighters continued to battle the blaze. (Source: 1News)
An emergency text alert has sent out by Fire and Emergency alerting people to the fire near the Worsley Spur and telling people to "evacuate the area immediately".
Ten people in neighbouring properties were earlier evacuated with help from police, with more to be rescued, Fire and Emergency said in an update this afternoon.
Evacuations are also underway in Early Valley. Summit Rd is closed between Dyers Pass Rd and Gebbies Pass Rd, with residents in the area warned to be "ready to evacuate at short notice", police said.
Helicopters could be seen getting water from swimming pools as they tackle the “significant” fire. (Source: 1News)
Evacuation centres have been set up at the Halswell Library and Community Centre and Lincoln Community Centre.
Firefighters are also completing structure protection as "a number of structures are under threat".
Police say "cordons are in place and roads surrounding the area are closed whilst Fire and Emergency crews respond to the blaze".
"Motorists are also advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes."
One witness near the scene in Hoon Hay, Roseanne Wolfe, told 1News the blaze has sent thick black smoke billowing from the hills.
"I feel for all the people up there. Not good. Not good," she said.
The Christchurch Adventure Park has been evacuated as a precaution.
Manager Anne Newman told 1News it is standard procedure.
A Christchurch City Council spokesperson has confirmed to 1News they have put their Civil Defence and emergency response teams on standby for if evacuations get underway.
The public have been warned not to fly drones "anywhere near the fire ground as this will mean the helicopters will have to be grounded, which will seriously impact our ability to control the spread of the fire", Fire and Emergency said.
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