Wildfires continue to burn across Port Hills in Christchurch. Fire crews from around the region have been drafted in to fight the blaze, which is in its third day and damaging homes.
Evacuation areas:
• Worsleys Rd
• Hoon Hay Rd from Cashmere Rd
• Kennedys Bush Rd from Cashmere Rd
• Dyers Pass Rd from Sign of the Takahe
• Early Valley Rd
Road closures:
• Cashmere Rd west of Kaiwara St to Kennedys Bush Rd.
• Worsleys Rd
• Hoon Hay Valley Rd
• Kennedys Bush Rd from the roundabout with Rock Hill Drive. This includes the southbound cycle track
• Worsleys Track from Worsleys Rd
• Dyers Pass Rd between Hackthorne Rd to Governors Bay Rd. Use the Lyttelton Tunnel or Gebbies Pass as the alternative route
• Summit Rd between Gebbies Pass and Rapaki Track
• Old Tai Tapu Rd between Osterholts Rd and Early Valley Rd
• Early Valley Rd
• Holmes Rd
Power:
Orion is on full alert as the rapidly changing fire poses a threat to power supply to the Port Hills and the greater city.
Health advice:
People have been told to stay inside to avoid smoke inhalation.
Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health has advised that anyone suffering respiratory issues contact their GP.
"For the vast majority of people, the smoke will be 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.
"In healthy people, most symptoms disappear soon after exposure to smoke ends and do not cause long-term health problems."
Cigarette smokers, the elderly, children and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung disease are at greatest risk of harm from smoke inhalation.
"Avoid exposure where possible by staying indoors and closing windows and doors," he says.
