Port Hills fire update
Latest Information on the Port Hills Fire
Wednesday 21 February
TRANSITION TO RECOVERY
From 1pm on Wednesday 21 February 2024, Christchurch City and Selwyn District have moved to a transition to recovery period and the state of local emergency has ended.
The transition to recovery period helps move smoothly from the emergency response phase to the recovery stage, with the resources all the agencies need for example to clear damaged areas and dispose of waste and enables remedial works to be carried out where needed.
It is important to note that Fire and Emergency are still working on the Port Hills. Please continue to follow Fire and Emergency requirements around the fire area and stay away from the area while they do their work.
All the agencies involved in the response will continue to work together to support residents living on the Port Hills to recover from this fire, and to build resilience.
Selwyn District Council Recovery Manager Al Lawn says a focus for the recovery will be to continue to support those households who were affected and also to take the opportunity look to the future and improve the legacy for future generations.
Fire danger remains high across Canterbury. Please continue to be careful and avoid high-risk activities that generate sparks.
High-risk activities include:
- Using equipment that generate sparks, or where blades can strike a stone and cause a spark (eg welders, grinders, mowers, chainsaws).
- Parking vehicles in long grass – hot exhausts can start a fire.
This will be our final update on this page - thank you again to everyone who supported this response.
Tuesday 20 February
Port Hills Fire Update - 1.30pm
Early Valley Road cordon removed:
After discussions with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), the Early Valley Road cordon, restricting access to residents only, has been removed.
Selwyn District Council Head of Emergency Management and local Controller Al Lawn says this is a positive step, however, the State of Local Emergency remains in place. Fire and Emergency New Zealand continue to work on the fire ground and reduce the risk of re ignition and this might take some time.
"Thank you everyone for respecting the cordon and our staff. Thank you particularly to the residents of Early Valley Road for all the kindness shown to our team, and to all our Selwyn volunteers who have worked on this cordon supporting residents and helping keeping them safe. Fire and Emergency have done an outstanding job to get to the point where it is safe enough to lift this cordon and for residents to be back in their homes. We will keep supporting the residents of Early Valley Road in the coming months.
Please remember the fire risk across Canterbury remains high, so we're asking everyone to remain alert. Please avoid high risk activities such as using equipment that could generate sparks or parking vehicles in long grass," Mr Lawn says.
Keep update with our friends at FENZ for the latest updates on the fire.
If you see smoke please call 111.
We are continuing to support our affected communities. If you need assistance, call us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996)
If you’re feeling anxious and need help, please call or text 1737 free at any time to speak to a trained counsellor.
Monday 19 February
Port Hills Fire Update - 10.30am
HIGH FIRE DANGER DAY - TODAY
The State of Local Emergency remains in place to support Fire and Emergency New Zealand in tackling the fire on the Port Hills.
Fire fighting work today will focus on eliminating hot spots and strengthening containment lines.
Please remember - it's a high fire danger today.
Fire and Emergency has asked that everyone help out by avoiding high-risk activities that generate sparks.
High-risk activities include:
- Using equipment that generate sparks, or where blades can strike a stone and cause a spark (eg welders, grinders, mowers, chainsaws).
- Parking vehicles in long grass – hot exhausts can start a fire.
If you see smoke please call 111.
We are continuing to support our affected communities. If you need assistance, call us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996)
If you’re feeling anxious and need help, please call or text 1737 free at any time to speak to a trained counsellor.
Sunday 18 February
Port Hills Fire Update - 6pm
Selwyn Head of Emergency Management Al Lawn back out on the front lines today with Civil Defence Management Canterbury and Canterbury Fire and Emergency staff, supporting our affected residents.
Heads up for residents who were evacuated from Early Valley Road on Wednesday - please check your letterboxes around 7pm.
Civil Defence volunteers are on the streets now dropping off fire safety information and advice ahead of the strong winds we're expecting over the next 24 hours.
Please be reassured that we are prepared for these winds and firefighters are continuing to dampen down hotspots and reduce the risk of the fire reigniting, but remember too that conditions can change quickly.
We encourage you to be aware of the risk and be prepared to act.
Overnight drone flights across the Port Hills fireground have identified hotspots that ground Fire and Emergency crews will be targeting today.
Early this morning a helicopter also carrying thermal imaging equipment flew around the full 24km perimeter of the fireground. The thermal images pinpoint areas of extreme heat that could reignite, including many that are not easily spotted from the ground.
Fire and Emergency crews are making the most of favourable conditions this morning, as winds are forecast to increase and continue tomorrow.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.
We are continuing to support our affected communities. If you need assistance, call us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996)
Saturday 17 February
Port Hills Fire Update - 7pm
As we head into the evening, we have an updated map for you of the road status and fire perimeter. A number of the roads that have been closed have restricted access for residents only.
Firefighters have been working hard today to strengthen containment lines before the wind starts to develop tomorrow.
Crews are also putting out hotspots that could flare up in strong winds and cause a larger fire to reignite. Many of the hotspots are in old forestry skid sites, where the fire is deep seated.
We expect firefighting will continue around the clock for several days.
Port Hills residents will notice drone activity over the fireground tonight. Our specialist drone team will be using thermal cameras to pinpoint the location of more hotspots. And at first light a helicopter with thermal imaging will fly around the whole 24km perimeter of the fireground.
As we prepare to launch our night drone operation, we remind those who have your own drones not to fly them anywhere near the Port Hills. The airspace over the fireground closed to all aircraft except those involved in the response to the fire. When private drones are reported in the vicinity of a fire, we have to land our helicopters immediately for the safety of the pilots and crew, and everyone on the ground below.
We have been able to get almost all the residents home but they know that the fire is not out, and they may have to evacuate again at short notice.
Friday 16 February
Port Hills Fire Update - Area Map 7pm
This map gives you a current perspective of the fire perimeter and road closures. It is accurate as of 7pm tonight.
Port Hills Fire Update 4.30pm
The State of Local Emergency remains in place to support Fire and Emergency to continue fighting the Port Hills fire.
Firefighters have been continuing to focus on strengthening the fire breaks around the perimeter of the fire today.
We are pleased that all Selwyn residents who were evacuated are now back in their homes. We are continuing to support our affected communities so if you need assistance please call us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996).
Although the fire has not grown in size, all residents in affected areas should be prepared to evacuate again at short notice, including having a bag ready to go with clothes, medication or anything else they may need, and a plan for pets and animals.
Please continue to stay away from the Port Hills area this weekend as trucks and heavy machinery are still operating.
Please remember it’s normal to feel anxious in situations like this. If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737 any time and you can speak to (or text) a trained counsellor free of charge or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Stay safe Selwyn.
Port Hills Fire - Smoke Update 6.50am
Due to a southerly change in the weather, wind is now causing smoke from the fire to be more noticeable across the city today.
Canterbury - Fire and Emergency and Te Whatu Ora ‐ Waitaha Canterbury have some important updates this morning.
Smoke across the city was expected to happen due to the wind change but this does not mean a significant change in the condition of the fire. There is no need to call 111 if you smell smoke in the city. BUT – if you can actually see smoke or flames in a new place then please DO call 111 so trained dispatchers can assess your information.
Te Whatu Ora have issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire. People who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, people who are pregnant, young children and the elderly – may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath or eye, nose and throat irritation.
If you're experiencing symptoms or are sensitive to smoke, please remain indoors if it's safe to do so. Close windows and doors, set air-conditioning to recirculate, and minimise outdoor activities. If you're concerned about your symptoms, contact your doctor or Healthline at 0800 611 116. In case of severe breathing difficulties, tightness, or heaviness in the chest, call 111 for immediate ambulance assistance.
Experiencing events such as fires can be distressing, and it's natural to feel anxious in such situations. If you're experiencing anxiety or simply need someone to talk to, you can reach out by calling or texting 1737 anytime. This service provides access to trained counsellors free of charge. For health advice contact your GP, or call Healthline anytime on 0800 611 116 for assistance and support.
Thursday 15 February
Port Hills Fire Update 9.10pm
Canterbury - Fire and Emergency crews will be continuing to work hard throughout the night.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to stay vigilant and have a go bag ready in case of further evacuations.
The Evacuation Centre at Te Hāpua Halswell Centre remains open at 341 Halswell Road for any affected residents and there will be another meeting onsite for residents at 11am.
Although some residents have returned to their homes, New Zealand Response team staff are managing a restricted cordon in these locations to ensure it’s residents only returning to these areas.
Keep on looking after each other and please keep an eye on the Canterbury - Fire and Emergency Facebook page for the latest updates overnight.
Port Hills Fire Update 4.10pm
Fire and Emergency NZ have advised that cordons are being shifted and residents in Early Valley Road can now return home.
Firefighters are continuing to work tirelessly in challenging conditions as the fire is still not considered contained.
Some residents have expressed concern about fire retardant on their properties. FENZ have assured the public it is safe and nontoxic. Fire and Emergency crews will not drop retardant near waterways, Department of Conservation land or organic farms. If you notice any residue on or around your property, wash it down with a hose.
There will be another community meeting held for impacted residents at 7pm at the Te Hāpua Halswell Centre.
Port Hills fires: how you can help
Donations are being accepted to support the people of Christchurch, Selwyn and Banks Peninsula affected by the Port Hills fires. A donation can be made by bank transfer to the following account:
- Mayors Welfare Call 02-08656-0070251-002
- Please use reference Fire PH for any transfers made
- People can also contact our customer services team on 0800 SELWYN (735 996)
- All donations will go directly to supporting the people affected by the fire
Health and Wellbeing Support
Health workers from Pegasus Health are onsite at the evacuation centre at Te Hāpua Halswell Centre to support the community as we navigate this difficult time. They invite people to chat with them.
If you need additional support
- Free call or free text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day to talk or text with a trained counsellor or peer support worker.
- The Pegasus Health Mental Health Team is available on 0800 246 099 and can direct you to the right place for additional wellbeing support.
- Your general practice may have a Health Improvement Practitioner or Health Coach who can talk to you and support you. Often these support workers have same day appointments available.
- If you are not enrolled or need help accessing health services, contact Tautoko Hauora on 0800 99 22 99.
Port Hills Fire Update 12.15pm
CORDON UPDATE - ESCORTED ACCESS
Early Valley Road residents concerned about their livestock, pets or medications can meet at the cordon on Early Valley Road between 12.30-1.30pm where Fire and Emergency will arrange escorted access.
All other evacuated residents can visit the recovery hub at the bottom of Worsley Road and McVicar Drive to gain access.
Access is for pets, livestock, and medication only.
Escorted access will be undertaken by Fire and Emergency who will assess the current level of risk.
Our teams are constantly reviewing the situation with our main priority being to keep people safe.
Any changes to this information including additional access to property and staged re-entry will be updated following the next media standup at 3pm
For a map of the cordons please visit this link.
SH1 Grass Fire 11.30am
Fire and Emergency New Zealand who are responding to the grass fire on Mannion Road have advised they have this contained. We will keep you updated if the situation changes.
SH1 Grass Fire 10.00am
We are aware of a grass fire near Rolleston on Mannion Road and in contact with Fire and Emergency New Zealand who are responding. At this stage there is no threat to properties, but we will keep you updated as necessary.
Port Hills Fire Update 9.30am
A State of Local Emergency remains in place for Selwyn to support Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) in responding to a fire on the Port Hills around Early Valley in Selwyn and Worsley in Christchurch.
Around 30 properties from Early Valley Road were evacuated last night and cordons remain in place on Early Valley Road and along the affected areas in Christchurch. At this stage no structures have been damaged and no one has been injured. Please do stay away from the area, to support the Emergency Services in fighting the fire.
Our Selwyn Emergency Management Team is supporting this response, helping FENZ with what it needs and supporting affected Selwyn residents. If your property has been affected or you are near the fire area and need help, please do get in touch, call us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996).
The Civil Defence Centre at Lincoln Event Centre is now closed, and all programmes at Lincoln Event Centre are operating as normal today.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is hosting a community meeting for the affected households at 11am at Te Hāpua Halswell Centre 341 Halswell Road.
FENZ are requesting if you have images or footage of the Port Hills taken between 1.45pm and 2.45pm yesterday, Wednesday 14 February, please email them to PortHills2024Photos@fireandemergency.nz with your name and contact details, the exact time you took the photo or footage, and where you were.
For latest road closures due to the fire please visit this link.
Thank you to all of you who helped out family and friends who needed to leave the area last night and for helping with moving animals from the affected area, alongside our Animal Control Team. It’s great to see the community helping each other and that people had an emergency plan in place.
Please remember it’s normal to feel anxious in situations like this. If you are feeling anxious or just need someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737 any time and you can speak to (or text) a trained counsellor free of charge or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Wednesday 14 February
Port Hills Fire Update 10.15pm
Public meeting:
Port Hills Fire Update 8.15pm
Fire and Emergency New Zealand are continuing to battle the vegetation fire on the Port Hills above Christchurch.
Early Valley Road residents have been evacuated along with residents on Worsley Road and Worsley Spur in Christchurch.
The fire is not yet contained, and residents who have been evacuated will not be able to return home tonight. There will be a briefing for evacuated residents at the Halswell Community Centre at 9pm tonight.
Fire and Emergency has 130 firefighters on the ground and 11 helicopters fighting the fire.
Commander Dave Stackhouse said firefighting efforts are currently focusing on the Worsley Spur flank of the fire and Summit Road. Crews are also carrying out structure protection around properties in Hoon Hay Valley Road.
The helicopters will continue working until dark, and ground operations will continue through the night
Cordons remain in place and people are asked to stay well away from the area so traffic build-up doesn’t delay emergency services.
At this stage there are no fire related road closures in Selwyn other than the immediate cordons around the fire area.
For road closures in Selwyn, see our live road closures map.
State of Emergency Declared 6.15pm
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton have agreed that a State of Local Emergency be declared for Christchurch City (which includes Banks Peninsula) and Selwyn District due to the impacts of the fire in the Port Hills.
The declaration was made at 6:13pm.
“The declaration means we are better able to coordinate our response across all the various agencies involved, and will mean we can get assistance to where it’s most needed. It also means the local Controller can evacuate people or restrict access to affected areas as required,” says Mayor Mauger.
The fire started around 2.30pm today in the Worsley area in the Port Hills and has spread into Selwyn. With hot, dry, and windy conditions expected to continue, there have been a number of evacuations in the area.
An evacuation centre has been set up at Te Hapua Halswell Library and Community Centre, and at the Lincoln Community Centre for people who live closer to Selwyn.
The public are urged to stay away from the area.
Check www.ccc.govt.nz/newsline, the Christchurch City Council’s Facebook page and Selwyn District Council’s Facebook page for more information.
Last modified: 21 Feb 2024 2:01pm