A large fire on the Port Hills has led to a local state of emergency in Christchurch and the Selwyn District.
The fire, which started near Worsleys Road in Cracroft around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, has quickly spread to cover about 100 hectares.
Due to the severity of the situation, around 130 firefighters, supported by 25 fire trucks and 12 helicopters, are working tirelessly to control the blaze, which is threatening several homes nearby.
The effort to extinguish the fire will continue into the night, with helicopters aiding from the air until it gets dark, and ground crews fighting the fire on land through the night.
The decision to declare a state of emergency was made by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton at 6:13 p.m.
This declaration allows the local councils to better coordinate their response to the fire and gives the local controller the authority to evacuate people or limit access to certain areas if necessary.
