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Several properties in Christchurch were evacuated overnight, as nearly a dozen fire crews worked to contain a fire in Port Hills.
Emergency services were called to the fire shortly after 11 p.m. Friday night.
“Several properties” on Avoca Valley Rd and Port Hills Rd were later evacuated, police said in a statement around 1 am.
Meg Falconer / Supplied
Nearly a dozen fire crews responded to brush fire overnight.
More evacuations are likely overnight, police said.
Anyone feeling concerned or unsafe was advised to evacuate on their own.
“Follow the instructions of the police if you live in the affected area and they ask you to evacuate,” Fire and Emergency NZ said in a Facebook post overnight.
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“Also, please continue to move away from the area to allow our teams to work as quickly and safely as possible in the treacherous terrain and environment.
There were road closures at the intersection of Curries Rd and SH 76 overnight.
Christchurch woman Liz Ridder said her husband heard outbursts “like fireworks” and looked out the window to see a fire on a hill near a water tank Friday night.
“The fire was big enough when he saw it,” he said.
The couple had also heard some “loud explosions,” he said.
“We are glad there is no wind tonight.”
MITCHELL POTTS / Supplied
One witness heard popping sounds “like fireworks.”
