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Update on Port Hills fires -6.25am.
Slightly cooler weather conditions and higher humidity with some light rain having fallen early this morning is welcome relief for emergency services fighting the Port Hills fire in Christchurch..
It has been a quiet night with a few minor flare ups … View moreUpdate on Port Hills fires -6.25am.
Slightly cooler weather conditions and higher humidity with some light rain having fallen early this morning is welcome relief for emergency services fighting the Port Hills fire in Christchurch..
It has been a quiet night with a few minor flare ups contained by fire crews. Thermal imaging is being used to identify hot spots.
There is a lot of work to do to clean up the whole fire area and this will go on for several days.
Te Hapua Welfare Centre remains open with a small amount of people staying there. Nga Hau E Wha Marae and the Selwyn welfare centre have been closed.
Police cordons are still in place and these areas are still considered dangerous. The situation is being constantly reassessed and we will provide further information as soon as it is available.
Fifteen crew from the United States Coast Guard heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star are assisting police and the New Zealand Defence Force in the evacuated areas.
A Defence Force Hercules is expected to arrive in Christchurch from Australia today with fire retardant.
Road closure information:
· Cashmere Rd is closed between Hendersons Road and Kaiwara Street.
· Penruddock Rise is also closed at Cashmere Road
· Worsleys Road is closed at Cashmere Road
· Hoon Hay Valley Road is closed at Cashmere Road
· Kennedys Bush Road is closed at Cashmere Road
· Sutherland Road is closed at Cashmere Road
· Worsleys Track from Worlseys Road is closed
· Dyers Pass Road is closed between Hackthorne Road to Governors Bay Road. Use the Lyttelton Tunnel or Gebbies Pass as the alternate route.
· Summit Road is closed between Gebbies Pass and Rapaki Track
· Old Tai Tapu Road is closed between Osterholts Road and Early Valley Road.
· Early Valley Road is closed at Old Tai Tapu Road
On Sunday 19th February between 1 pm and 5 pm all buses travelling towards Northlands will detour away from Kilmore St while road works are carried out. Buses will detour off Manchester St onto Peterborough St and back onto Colombo St to continue the normal route. Buses travelling to the city are … View moreOn Sunday 19th February between 1 pm and 5 pm all buses travelling towards Northlands will detour away from Kilmore St while road works are carried out. Buses will detour off Manchester St onto Peterborough St and back onto Colombo St to continue the normal route. Buses travelling to the city are not affected. Bus stop 53159 on Kilmore St will be closed and a temporary stop will be available on Manchester St just after the Kilmore St intersection instead. View detour map below.
Our situation with our Real Time Information disruptions and detours on the Blue Line and 145 Eastgate - Westmorland remain the same this afternoon. We are not expecting any change to those detours overnight unless emergency authorities lift road closures. Detailed information is below. We thank … View moreOur situation with our Real Time Information disruptions and detours on the Blue Line and 145 Eastgate - Westmorland remain the same this afternoon. We are not expecting any change to those detours overnight unless emergency authorities lift road closures. Detailed information is below. We thank all our customers for your patience and understanding during this time.
Our Real Time Information systems continue to be affected by the fire and a number of buses are unable to be tracked. This means some buses will not show in our "next bus" online tools and most bus finders displaying the ETA's of buses on street will not work. It is likely that our systems will be affected for a number of days and we ask that if your bus does not appear on "next bus" tools that you use the bus timetables instead. Metro thank all fire fighters for their hard work and dedication to keeping our communities safe.
As of Thursday 16 February two bus services are affected by the fire, they are;
- Blue Line - all trips will end at Princess Margaret Hospital, no trips will travel to Cashmere Hill
- 145 Westmorland - Eastgate - all trips will end and start their trips on Rose St until further notice.
Providing sustenance & messages of thanks to the Fire Fighters
Nice wee piece here from a former colleague and bloody good writer. Simple, eloquent, and very honest. A snapshot of our days. Kudos Sean.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ urges those with asthma and respiratory conditions in the Christchurch area to be prepared – as bush fire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and shortness of breath.
The smoke from bush fires contains small particles that … View moreThe Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ urges those with asthma and respiratory conditions in the Christchurch area to be prepared – as bush fire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and shortness of breath.
The smoke from bush fires contains small particles that can cause irritation to the lungs, eyes, nose and throat.
People are advised to minimise their exposure to smoke and time spent outdoors. Windows and doors need to be kept closed, air vents blocked, and air conditioning set to a recycle setting.
Tips for asthmatics during bush fires:
- Continue taking asthma preventer medication as prescribed.
- Always carry asthma reliever medication, and use it as soon as asthma symtoms are present. When possible use a spacer which enables more medication to be delivered into the lungs.
- If asthma reliever medication is not working, or is required every 2-3 hours or more, seek medical advice by calling 111 for an ambulance.
- Elderly people, children, and people working at the fire front are most at risk. Access help fast if someone appears unwell.
- If you don’t have an Asthma Action Plan or are unsure of what to do in an asthma emergency, follow the Asthma First Aid procedure.
- It is important to remember that people who aren’t in affected areas are also at high risk, as winds can carry smoke and ash particles for long distances. Smoke and air pollution can linger long after the fires have subsided, so it is essential to remain prepared.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is a not-for-profit organisation committed to those affected by asthma and respiratory illness. Free resources are available at asthmaandrespiratory.org.nz.
This event really is massive. Here's a good illustration of just what our emergency services - and our neighbours - are facing. Kia kaha Canterbury.
Our colleagues at the Press, particularly the visual journalists, are doing some incredible work. We'll share as many as we can as they come through. This from Joseph Johnson.
At last, a map of the most affected areas. Stay safe - and please don't use this as a destination map if you don't need to be there!
Emergency services have been out since first light fighting the huge Port Hills fire concentrating their efforts on three fronts at Worsleys Road, Early Valley Road and Governors Bay.
The fire, which started in Marleys Hills on Monday night has now spread over 1800 hectares on the Port Hills. … View moreEmergency services have been out since first light fighting the huge Port Hills fire concentrating their efforts on three fronts at Worsleys Road, Early Valley Road and Governors Bay.
The fire, which started in Marleys Hills on Monday night has now spread over 1800 hectares on the Port Hills. Reports on the number of houses destroyed or damaged have varied overnight. Please understand that this is an unfolding situation, but the Fire Service has confirmed that definitely five houses have been lost – three in Worsleys Road and two in Hoon Hay Valley Road. Emergency services are preparing to continue their operations for at least over the weekend and say the immediate emphasis is on directing the huge fire away from people and property.
The New Zealand Fire Service says that today’s firefighting effort included 15 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, the maximum number that can safely be in the air at any one time, and ground firefighting crews from the New Zealand Fire Service, Department of Conservation, territorial authorities and volunteers.
Helicopters have been brought in from throughout the South Island and out of town fire service staff from both Nelson and Timaru and are boosting local resources. Twenty-one urban appliances are on the Summit Road, eight on Worsleys Road and 10 on Early Valley Road.
There are concerns about the short-term weather forecast with today’s north-east wind today expected to further drive the fronts. It is hoped a south-west change predicted for tomorrow will lower temparatures and humidity, slowing the fire’s progress.
There is a total fire ban in plan in North and Canterbury. Fire Region Manager Steve Turek says it is important that there is no type of fire lit so fire resources can remain concentrated on the major fire.
Christchurch Police have dedicated 50 staff working around the clock on the operation. Police assisted by New Zealand Defence Force staff have managed the evacuation of residents in at-risk areas. 400 homes have been evacuated by police with hundreds of other residents choosing to self-evacuate.
No evacuations are underway at this time, but police warn the situation is extremely volatile and should the fire change direction, people may have to leave at short notice.
Superintendent John Price of Christchurch Police says patrols are also working around the clock in both areas at risk and those evacuation. “We are providing reassurance to residents about evacuation, but also to others that we are keeping a watchful eye on their property,” he said.
Police are also checking on the safety of contractors working on the fire, logging everyone who goes into and out of the cordon.
The main message remains - the police are stressing that it is imperative that members of the public keep away from the hills. People “rubber-necking” are disrupting the emergency response and making it harder for police and fire services to do their jobs.
The New Zealand Defence Force had 36 staff working alongside emergency services last night and another 25 have joined the operation this morning.
Welfare and health agencies are on standby reading to step in at a moment’s notice. Christchurch District Health Board reported no overnight admissions due to respiratory issues. St John had dealt with a number of minor issues.
Welfare Centre - Te Hapua Halswell Centre and Nga Hau e Wha National Marae
Around 11 evacuees are currently at the Te Hapua Halswell Centre. Catering is being provided with donations from the local supermarket assisting.
While the Welfare Centre has been set up in the community room at Te Hapua Halswell Centre, the facility’s library and pool are operating as usual.
A welfare centre also remains open at Nga Hau e Wha National Marae on Pages Road. Welfare agencies will provide updates on how to access a range of services today.
The public are encouraged to follow official updates on the Christchurch City Council’s Newsline website and social media, as well as other emergency services updates.
On Thursday 16th February between 7pm and 6am Friday 17th February all buses travelling from Papanui to the city will detour away from Colombo St and Bealey Ave while road works are carried out. Buses will detour off Edgeware Rd onto Springfield Rd, Durham St North and Salisbury St back onto … View moreOn Thursday 16th February between 7pm and 6am Friday 17th February all buses travelling from Papanui to the city will detour away from Colombo St and Bealey Ave while road works are carried out. Buses will detour off Edgeware Rd onto Springfield Rd, Durham St North and Salisbury St back onto Manchester St to continue the normal route. All bus stops on Colombo St between Edgeware Rd and Salisbury St will be closed during this time. Buses travelling towards Papanui are not affected. View detour map below.
Update on Port Hills Fire 10pm
Key points
· Fifteen crew from United States Coast Guard heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star are assisting
· Hercules expected to arrive in Christchurch on Friday from Australia with fire retardant
· The fire covers an area of 2075 … View moreUpdate on Port Hills Fire 10pm
Key points
· Fifteen crew from United States Coast Guard heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star are assisting
· Hercules expected to arrive in Christchurch on Friday from Australia with fire retardant
· The fire covers an area of 2075 hectares
· About 1000 people have been evacuated
, although there is no way of knowing the full number of people displaced by the fire.
· 11 people are staying at the welfare centre at Te Hapua Halswell Centre
· Cordons remain in place with police and Defence Force staff patrolling
Firefighters will use thermal-imaging technology and high-pressure hoses to manage hotspots within the Port Hills fire overnight.
Christchurch Civil Defence controller Dave Adamson said the nearly 400 firefighters working to control the blaze on Thursday had made good progress, helped in part by more favourable weather conditions.
“We have had significant fire breaks created with heavy machinery and the firefighting effort has targeted the perimeter. While there are still areas burning out of control, the fire is contained within the 2075 hectare area.
“What’s encouraging is that the weather forecast looks promising for the next two days with high cloud, cooler temperatures and a chance of rain on Saturday. However, the situation remains volatile, as we’ve seen with some reported flare-ups, including one on Kennedy’s Bush Road, so the cordons remain in place to ensure personal safety and security of property.”
There are 11 people staying at the welfare centre at Te Hapua Halswell Centre.
Fifteen crew from the United States Coast Guard heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star are assisting police and the New Zealand Defence Force in the evacuated areas.
Another 31 police are due to arrive in Christchurch on Friday.
Orion reports that as at 7.45pm there were 126 customers still without power. Some supplies are expected to be restored overnight.
Update on Port Hills Fire 7.30pm
Key points
· United States Coast Guard heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star offers to help
· Hercules heads to Australia to collect fire retardant
· 14 helicopters and 3 fixed wing aircraft were used today
· Special fire pods are being used to shoot high-pressure water into the ground to extinguish roots burning below the surface
· Almost 400 people have been on the ground fighting the blaze
· Efforts are focused on controlling the fire – it is not possible to assess the status of individual properties at this stage
· Cordons remain in place with police and Defence Force staff patrolling
Offers of assistance have been received from the United States and Australia to support the Port Hills fire response.
Christchurch Civil Defence controller Dave Adamson welcomed the offer of assistance.
Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said an Air Force C-130 Hercules strategic airlift aircraft left for Australia this afternoon to pick up five pallets of firefighting foam and other fire-retardant materials.
A detachable fire pod is also being shipped from Wellington this evening, in addition to the four NZDF fire pods currently being used to fight the Christchurch fires. The pods can be transported on a variety of vehicles and use an ultra high-pressure hose with a pointed nozzle that can pierce the ground and douse burning roots.
An additional fire response team made up of four experienced firefighters has been sent to join the six Army firefighters currently working with Selwyn fire authorities.
Mr Adamson said emergency services recognise that many of the residents evacuated are concerned about the condition of their properties in the fire zone and are anxious to return home. At this stage the Emergency Operations Centre has received no information about the status of individual homes.
Much of the area behind cordons is very dangerous and the priority for all agencies is to get the fire under control.
Firefighters are working on the ground and from the air, doing everything possible to keep the fire away from houses.
“Police have advised that it is expected that a large number of homes will have suffered damage from smoke, heat and fire. The number of damaged homes in total will not be known until the fire emergency has ended.
“We are aware that this is an extremely anxious time for residents who have had to leave their homes and we are working with other agencies to arrange for this information to be passed on to homeowners in the affected areas as soon as the information becomes available.”
Police have advised that all current cordons will remain in place tonight and into tomorrow. Police say that residents who chose to remain behind the cordons now have a special provision to exit the cordons and return. To re-enter they must register at the cordon point and provide photo identification. They must also carry documentation proving their occupancy such as a bill or rates invoice.
Power supply
Around 128 customers remain without power in the Port Hills area. The power supply has been maintained to the rest of the city throughout the day, and Orion continues to closely monitor Christchurch's power supply and respond to any issues arising as a result of the fires continuing in the Port Hills.
Lines in the fire affected area in the Port Hills remain off grid, and power continues to be rerouted, including through Orion's new underground, Northern Loop cable.
Orion asks residents and businesses to conserve power where ever possible, to reduce the load on the network while it is in contingency mode.
It is possible that there will be further outages until the fires are fully extinguished. Orion urges residents in the Port Hills area to take particular care around electricity at this time.
For updates on power outages around the city visit www.oriongroup.co.nz... or call 03 363 9898 for more information.
Welfare
The teams providing welfare support are truly grateful for offers of help for services, but there is no need at the moment – the teams are well-resourced.
People can call 0800 777 846 for support and general practice medical centres are open for those who feel unwell or unable to cope. It is normal to feel anxious or stressed during abnormal events, and talking about how you feel to someone you trust can help. Advice can be found online at:
allright.org.nz...
www.facebook.com...
People with financial needs can contact Work and Income (0800 559 009) or go into any site in Christchurch. Civil Defence payments are available, more information can be found here:
www.workandincome.govt.nz...
Firefighting efforts
More than 390 firefighters have been fighting the fire today, including 26 rural fire crews with more than 200 personnel between them. The fire service has 62 crews with 190 pumps and tankers, and more than 160 firefighters on the ground.
The fire service is asking people to stay away from the area so that the fire crews can do their work safely. The terrain is difficult and challenging, posing a risk to firefighters.
There are 14 helicopters flying and three fixed wing aircraft on the scene.
Fire ban
National Rural Fire Authority has put a total fire ban in place from South Canterbury to Hurunui.
Road closures
· Cashmere Rd is closed between Hendersons Rd and Kaiwara St.
· Penruddock Rise is also closed at Cashmere Rd
· Worsleys Rd is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Hoon Hay Valley Rd is closed at Cashmere
· Kennedys Bush Road is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Sutherland Road is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Worsleys Track from Worlseys Road is closed
· Dyers Pass Road is closed between Hackthorne Road to Governors Bay Road. Use the Lyttelton Tunnel or Gebbies Pass as the alternate route.
· Summit Road is closed between Gebbies Pass and Rapaki Track
· Old Tai Tapu Road is closed between Osterholts Road and Early Valley Road.
· Early Valley Road is closed at Old Tai Tapu RdUpdated 4pm
Wonderful news! Sign of the Kiwi is intact and not damaged.
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Updated road closures : 2.25pm
The following roads are currently closed because of the Port Hills fire.
Please stay well away from these roads, so that emergency services can do their job and keep people safe.
· Cashmere Rd is closed at Hendersons Rd
· Cashmere Rd is closed at Kaiwara St
· Worsleys Rd is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Hoon Hay Valley Rd is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Kennedys Bush Road is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Sutherland Road is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Penruddock Rse is closed at Cashmere Rd
· Worsleys Track from Worlseys Road is closed
· Dyers Pass Road is closed between Hackthorne Road to Governors Bay Road. Use the Lyttelton Tunnel or Gebbies Pass as the alternate route.
· Summit Road is closed between Gebbies Pass and Rapaki Track
· Old Tai Tapu Road is closed between Osterholts Road and Early Valley Road
· Early Valley Road is closed at Old Tai Tapu Rd
· Holmes Road is closed at Old Tai Tapu Rd.
Update from Press conference 1.50pm
* Prime Minister Bill English confirmed Australia has offered to assist. He would take up any offers based on the advice from people on the ground, he said.
* Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said while the people battling the blaze on the ground were doing an incredible job, the bureaucratic processes were not up to scratch, and the relevant legislation would be reviewed after the event. The fastest and most accurate source of information had been from the media, he said.
* Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel defended the processes, saying in terms of resourcing, nothing would have changed even if a state of emergency had been declared earlier. The review was not for today, she said, today was for thanking those on the ground.
And from Dep. Mayor Vicki Buck:
Estimated area of the fire is now over 2000ha but is currently not growing actively in any area .
Sign of the Kiwi is okay.
11 houses have been destroyed and 2 large sheds
Each one of those monsoon buckets contains 700 litres of water .
An air attack supervisor sits above all the helicopters to control the air space movements
Update on Port Hills Fire 11.45am
More than 130 firefighters are currently on the ground fighting the Port Hills fire.
The main activity is in the northern area of the Port Hills, including Hoon Hay Valley Road, Dyers Pass Road and Worsley Road.
The Fire Service has 40 crews with 45 pumps and tankers, and more than 130 firefighters on the ground. There are 26 rural fire crews with more than 200 personnel. Fourteen helicopters are in the air, along with three fixed wing aircraft
The situation is changing regarding property damage, but the latest report is that 11 houses and two sheds have been lost. Four of the houses are in Worsleys Road, four in Hoon Hay Valley Road, one house and one shed on Burkes Bush Road, and two houses and one shed on Early Valley Road.
Evacuations
Civil Defence is receiving inquiries from residents who have been evacuated about when they will be able to return to their homes. It is too soon to be able to answer this with any certainty. People are encouraged to monitor Civil Defence and Council web and social media channels for the latest updates. As soon as any information is available about when people can return we will ensure that it is widely publicised.
HEALTH UPDATE
Canterbury DHB is reminding people to phone their GP team first if they experience any respiratory issues or concerns.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says for the vast majority of people, the smoke will be unpleasant, but carries no risk to their health.
People who have difficulty breathing, have a prolonged cough or tightness in their chest should make their own GP team their first call 24/7 for #carearoundtheclock.
Dr Humphrey is also encouraging people remember to look out for their neighbours, especially the elderly, or those with disabilities and make sure they’re ok.
“Canterbury has been hit hard with its fair share of disasters in the last half decade, so many people will understandably be feeling overwhelmed and in shock. We all need to remember to look out for one another and take care of each other.”
WELFARE UPDATE
A huge thank you to all the residents, community groups and businesses of Christchurch and elsewhere who have offered their help, donations of food, water and accommodation to the emergency response. The fires have had a big impact on the people of Christchurch who have responded with kindness and care. It means a lot to those affected.If you are at all worried or uncomfortable remaining in your home, please evacuate. You can go to any of the city welfare centres for assistance. So far 450 properties have been officially evacuated.
EVACUATED AREAS
Police say they are now evacuating residents downhill of the Sign of the Takahe on Dyers Pass Rd as far as, and including, Kiteroa Pl and Pentre Terrace. Residents have been told to leave immediately.
Residents in the area from the Sign of the Takahe to Victoria Park should evacuate their homes immediately.
Affected areas include:
- Dyers Pass Road into Victoria Park.
- Hoon Hay Rd
- The south side of Cashmere Rd to Kennedys Bush Rd and to Hoon Hay Valley Rd.
- The Port Hills around Worsleys Rd and Cashmere Rd.
- Early Valley Rd.
- Westmorland.
- Kennedys Bush, and its intersecting streets are from Halswell Quarry up towards the end of Kennedys Bush Rd.
- Longhurst Tce.
EVACUATION CENTRES
Selwyn Events Centre in Lincoln
Te Hapua Halswell Centre, Halswell Rd (The library and pool at this centre remain open).
Nga Hau e Wha Marae, Pages Rd
There is also the Facebook page Evacuation Housing for evacuated residents to ask for help, and allow others to offer temporary accommodation to those evacuated.
ROAD CLOSURES
Cashmere Rd is closed west of Kaiwara St through to Kennedys Bush Rd.
Worsleys Rd and Worsleys Track are closed.
Kennedys Bush Rd is closed from the roundabout with Rock Hill Drive. This includes the southbound cycle track.
Early Valley Rd is closed.
Holmes Rd is closed.
Old Tai Tapu Rd is closed between Osterholts Rd and Early Valley Rd.
Dyers Pass Rd is closed between Hackthorne Rd and Governors Bay Rd. People should use the Lyttelton Tunnel or Gebbies Pass as the alternate route.
Summit Rd is closed between Gebbies Pass and Rapaki Track.
Hoon Hay Valley Rd is closed due to rubbernecking. Residents can still access their properties.
The Christchurch Adventure Park is closed.
The smoke is unpleasant, but carries no risk to their health. However, smoke may irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. More serious symptoms include runny or sore eyes, dry or sore throat, sore nose, cough, tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing. If you're short of breath, see … View moreThe smoke is unpleasant, but carries no risk to their health. However, smoke may irritate the eyes, nose, throat and airways. More serious symptoms include runny or sore eyes, dry or sore throat, sore nose, cough, tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing. If you're short of breath, see the closest doctor. If it's not urgent, but still troublesome, see your GP.
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