A State of Local Emergency put in place across Christchurch City and the Selwyn District in response to the Port Hills fire has been lifted, with both areas now moved into transition to recovery from 1pm today.
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 in response to the blaze.
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, Christchurch City Council said in a statement this afternoon.
FENZ crews are still working on the Port Hills as it is still an active fireground, the Council confirmed.
“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,” the Council said.
“Residents should continue to follow their local council, Christchurch City Council or Selwyn District Council, for the latest information on the recovery.”
Council says 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.
