Latest from Christchurch fires

Fire evacuees frustrated at lack of info

Frustrated Port Hills locals are getting desperate to know when they will be allowed back onto their properties.

Laughter amidst the ashes of ruins

Quakes and quakes, some flooding, more quakes, and now fires? Come on, Mother Nature, what's next?

Port Hills fire: 'Biggest in NZ history'

The Port Hills inferno was so powerful that it was spreading up to 160m every minute at it's peak, and water firefighters put on it evaporated.

Watch: Fire Chief describes Port Hills fires as traumatic and uncontrollable

No health threat from smoky properties

Smoky smells in Port Hills' properties does not pose a serious threat to health, authorities say.

'It roared up here, it was like a train'

Port Hills homeowners have this afternoon been allowed to return to their smouldering homes that have burned to the ground.

Angry Port Hills resident: 'It's a joke'

Frustrated homeowners still don't know whether their Port Hills homes are standing or have been ravaged by fire.

Port Hills fires: Send choppers plea

Contractors working in the area where the devastating fire first broke out on Monday pleaded for helicopters to be sent out, it can be revealed.

Helicopters to survey fresh damage

Helicopters are getting ready to go up and give emergency workers an overview of any fresh destruction.

Watch: Fire footage shows devastation

A photographer who surveyed the damage of the Port Hills fire from the air has shared the incredible images that show the devastation.

McCaw: 'It's nice to be able to help'

All Blacks legend speaks to NZME in his first interview since the wildfires.

Homes destroyed in Port Hills fires in Christchurch

Port Hills fire updates: Amazing images show the extent of the damage from the air, and just how close it came to some properties.

Mayors defend actions after criticism

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton have defended their handling of the Port Hills fire.

Port hills fire: Orange hearts show social media support

Kiwis are showing their support for those affected by the Port Hills fire and the firefighters working to put it out by making a statement

Nearly a dozen homes destroyed

The ongoing firefighting effort includes 15 helicopters and planes - the maximum number that can safely be in the air at any one time.

'It's about as bad as it can be'

As a white shape emerged through the smoke, a stressed Port Hills homeowner saw what he needed to see: his family home of 20 years had survived the fire. So far.

Canterbury employers urged to be flexible

Employers need to be flexible and allow staff to tend to their families and properties in the wake of the Port Hills fire.

Anxious homeowners seek fire answers

Chaos and cordons as evacuated locals try to find out how their homes survived the night.