Port Hills wildfire, New Zealand - February 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported a large vegetation fire covering about 650 ha (1 606 acres) in the Port Hills near Christchurch. A state of emergency was declared on February 14, with 130 firefighters, 11 helicopters, and heavy machinery deployed. Evacuations affected 80 properties, though no homes were lost. The blaze remained uncontained on February 15, and a public health warning was issued due to smoke. Read more: