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Emergency services responded to a large fire that spread through Christchurch’s Port Hills above Alderson Reserve.

The fire was reported to start shortly after 11pm on Friday. 

Source: CC/ Kevin Prince

Fire and Emergency Canterbury had four crews and two tanker units in attendance, to stop the fire from spreading.

A statement posted on Facebook reads: “Fire and Emergency are currently in attendance at a scrub fire on the hillside in the Hillsborough area.”

“Please stay away from the scene to allow our crews to work quickly and safely to contain the fire.”

Road closures were in place at the intersection of Curries Road and State Highway 76. Motorists were asked to avoid the area if possible.

A number of properties surrounding the area on Avoca Valley Road and Port Hills Road were evacuated.

Canterbury Police said in a statement: “Further evacuations are likely and Police advises anyone who is concerned or feels unsafe to self-evacuate.”

A post was made about fireworks being let off on Summit Rd on a private group named Police Activity Christchurch roughly 30 minutes before the large fire broke out.

Source: Aaravide

Josephine who took the photo above said she could see the fire while walking home, on the over-bridge on Colombo street at the intersection with Moorhouse.

“I was just walking home from town when I saw it. I was shocked and concerned,” she said.

Source: CC/ shutterstock.com

Previously, four fires were lit in the Port Hills area during the early hours of the morning on Wednesday 9 December.

The fires were put under investigation by Police after there were reports that a flare was intentionally set off.

Image credit: SUPPLIED/Kevin Price

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