A state of civil emergency has been declared in Christchurch and Selwyn, New Zealand.
This is after fires that started on the Port Hills South of Christchurch three days ago are now threatening the Christchurch suburb of Westmorland Hill due to a major wind shift.
Several homes have been destroyed in out‑of‑control fires threatening Christchurch.
At least three houses are known to have fallen victim to the blaze.
An earlier police estimate that as many as 40 homes had "been lost" to the flames has been drastically revised.
More homes in Christchurch's Port Hills were being evacuated from 4 this morning as the massive wildfires continued to rage.
Civil Defence said the two fires that started on Monday had merged into one and covered about 1,850 hectares.
As resources are stretched, the NZ Fire Service warn that people elsewhere in the city need to be careful.
About 15 fire crews, 120 firefighters and support crew are involved in ground operations, while about 15 helicopters and two aircraft were attacking the flames from above.
Source: stuff.co.nz
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