Latest from Christchurch fires

Port Hills fires: What you need to know

It's been a long night for Christchurch residents. Here's what you need to know first thing this morning.

Agony for hero pilot Steve Askin's family

Paul Askin has spent years fearing terrible news about his son Steve. On Tuesday, that moment came when the chopper pilot died fighting Christchurch's fires.

Fleeing family: 'I guess now we wait'

Evacuated family reveal the panicked scene of scared, fleeing families.

Christchurch opens its doors to evacuees

Hundreds of people are offering beds, blankets and home baking to those who have been displaced by the fires.

Evacuations, homes destroyed in blaze

More than 1000 residents have fled their homes as a huge fire rages on in Christchurch.

Brownlee questions emergency response

Civil Defence minister questions the emergency response to the Port Hills fires, which have destroyed five houses and caused hundreds to flee.

'We could see the flames above us'

Police and the Defence Force personnel go door-to-door evacuating residents.

Watch: Evacuations in fire-hit areas

Christchurch City Council have declared a state of emergency and have started evacuating residents in the fire-struck Port Hills area

Big worry if not contained by nightfall

There is no contingency plan if the Port Hills fires are not under control by the time helicopters and planes have to stop fighting it at nightfall.