Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell and police have issued stern warnings to both drone operators and so-called “disaster tourists” amidst a large-scale firefighting effort in Christchurch.

The warnings come in response to challenges faced by firefighting teams battling the Port Hills fire that has now engulfed 630 hectares.

Mitchell made an urgent plea to local drone operators.

“You put the pilots in those helicopters and those fixed wings in extreme danger.”

The presence of drones in the airspace not only endangers the lives of pilots but also necessitates the grounding of critical firefighting aircraft, severely hampering efforts to control the blaze.

The minister said anyone found flying drones in the area would face “serious consequences.”

Police are also urging so-called “disaster tourists” to avoid the vicinity of the ongoing fire, citing significant disruptions to firefighting operations.

The influx of spectators is causing obstructions, preventing firefighters from transporting necessary equipment and hindering local residents’ access to the affected zone.