Civil Defence, Fire  |  21 Feb 2024

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The State of Local Emergency that was put in place in Christchurch City and Selwyn District in response to the Port Hills fire was lifted and both areas moved into transition to recovery at 1pm on Wednesday 21 February.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton agreed that a State of Local Emergency be declared for Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and Selwyn at 6.13pm last Wednesday.  

With residents now back in their homes and the change to more favourable weather conditions, the immediate dangers posed by the fire have passed and efforts will now focus on the transition to recovery. 

Crews are still working on the Port Hills as it is still an active fireground.

Fire and Emergency and Christchurch and Selwyn Councils with the support of Civil Defence will continue to support residents living on the Port Hills to recover from the fire, and to build resilience.

Residents should continue to follow their local council, Christchurch City Council or Selwyn District Council, for the latest information on the recovery.

The fire risk remains extremely high, with higher temperatures forecast to return this weekend.

People are reminded to stay very aware about the work they do during the day. Hot-work or spark-generating work, which includes mowing lawns, should be done earlier in the day when it is cooler.

22 Feb - 4:46 pm

FENZ cordons update

FENZ is making changes to the cordons restricting access to the Port Hills that will come into effect at 6pm today (Thursday 22 February). See updated cordons map here. 

  • The cordon at the Sign of the Kiwi at Dyers Pass will be removed.
  • The public will have free access up Worsleys Road as far as Gosforth Way.
  • Worsleys Road from Gosforth Way to the start of Worsleys Track will continue to have restricted access for residents only.
  • Worsleys Track will remain completely closed to the public from the Summit Road to the end of Worsleys Road. Fire crews are still working in this area and there are heavy tankers, fire trucks and heavy machinery on the road.

Kennedy's Bush track remains closed. Stay updated on the status of Council tracks here.