(22:15) A community meeting has been held in Halswell for those who have evacuated their homes before of the Port Hills fires.

The fire was first reported at 2:15 PM on Wednesday in the Worsley area and has since spread into Selwyn.

Two evacuation centres have been set up at Te Hāpua Halswell Library, and a second at Lincoln Community Centre.

FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said a fire Investigator is “hoping some of you may be able to help.

“If you have photographs or videos of the Port Hills taken between 1.45pm and 2.45pm today please email them to [email protected] with your name and contact details, the exact time you took the photo or footage, and where you were.

The period between 1.45pm and 2.45pm covers the half hour before the fire was reported until half an hour afterwards.”

A spokesperson from FENZ said the fire was not contained.

Helicopters were grounded at 9:15pm.

Up to 150 personnel had been involved in fighting the fire, with a large number working overnight.

Residents who evacuated were not allowed to return home tonight.

The fire had been located around summit Road, raising concerns in that area, and had appeared to be moving quickly.

At that stage, no structural damage had been confirmed.

Senior Sergeant Andrew Norton had informed those who attended the public meeting that police would man the cordons overnight.

Te Whatu Ora said residents should keep windows and doors shut. Keep pets inside, and look out for children and older people.

The Child Adolescent & Family service will not be operating from The Princess Margaret Hospital site tomorrow.

If you have an appointment tomorrow, please do not go to the hospital in Cashmere Road.

Please wait until you receive a call from your clinician and arrangements will be made to either see you at another location, or they will reschedule your appointment.