More helicopters are being called on to help battle the large fire on Christchurch’s Port Hills.

Police are urging the public to avoid the area around Worsleys Rd, Cracroft as emergency services respond to the large vegetation fire. 

Firefighters have had to leave one area on Marley’s Hill as the flames are too large for them to tackle.

Helicopters are utilising all water sources, including scooping water from private swimming pools and nearby bays.

There are currently 10 helicopters, 23 fire appliances and scores of personnel are already battling the blaze but more resources are being called on.

Professional firefighters, as well as their volunteer counterparts from across the region, are working together in fighting the out-of-control wildfire on this hot Christchurch day.

Police first received a report of a fire on Worsley’s Track at around 2.15pm, which soon spread.

Emergency services are evacuating people from nearby properties to the Halswell Centre/Library and Halswell’s Community Centre.

A second evacuation centre has been set up at the Lincoln Community Centre for people closer to Selwyn.

Residents on Worsleys Road and Early Valley are being evacuated.

Summit Rd is closed between Dyers Pass Road and Gebbies Pass Road. Residents in that area need to be ready to evacuate at short notice. 

Cordons are in place and roads surrounding the area are closed while fire and emergency crews respond to the blaze.

Motorists are also advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Te Whatu Ora has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire.

The warning says that air around this location is smoky and there is potential that 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.

Dr Matt Reid, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service said exposure to smoke can worsen pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease.

“People affected by the smoke should close windows and doors and reduce outdoor exercise,” Reid said.

Te Whatu Ora said the experience of being exposed to an event like a fire can be distressing and 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.

If you see or smell smoke outside, you should stay inside if it is safe to do so.

Remember to:

·         Keep your windows and doors shut

·         Switch your air conditioning to ‘recirculate’

·         Air out your house when the smoke clears

·         Look out for children, older people, and others at risk

·         Keep pets inside with clean water and food. Keep pets’ bedding inside if possible.