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Christchurch fires: Homes destroyed and residents evacuated Christchurch fires: Homes destroyed and residents evacuated
(about 7 hours later)
Hundreds of homes have been evacuated in the New Zealand city of Christchurch as a huge wildfire rages on its outskirts.Hundreds of homes have been evacuated in the New Zealand city of Christchurch as a huge wildfire rages on its outskirts.
One pilot when his helicopter crashed and least 11 homes have burned down.
A state of emergency has been declared in the city and neighbouring Selwyn District and the military has been deployed to help firefighters.A state of emergency has been declared in the city and neighbouring Selwyn District and the military has been deployed to help firefighters.
At least 11 homes have already been destroyed and smoke has spread across the city. It is unclear what caused the fire, but Prime Minister Bill English has said it "looks a bit suspicious".
On Tuesday, a decorated army pilot was killed when his helicopter crashed. He stressed that investigations were continuing.
On Tuesday, a decorated army pilot was killed when his helicopter crashed as he was tackling the blaze.
Cpl David Steven Askin had been awarded for his bravery while deployed in Afghanistan, for helping save the lives of guests during a hotel siege in Kabul in 2011.Cpl David Steven Askin had been awarded for his bravery while deployed in Afghanistan, for helping save the lives of guests during a hotel siege in Kabul in 2011.
'Don't leave it too late''Don't leave it too late'
The Port Hills fire broke out in two separate places on Monday in the dry hills south of Christchurch, before merging into one blaze which now covers abut 1,800ha.The Port Hills fire broke out in two separate places on Monday in the dry hills south of Christchurch, before merging into one blaze which now covers abut 1,800ha.
More than 130 firefighters have been deployed, along with 14 helicopters and three aircraft brought in from across the South Island.More than 130 firefighters have been deployed, along with 14 helicopters and three aircraft brought in from across the South Island.
A total of 400 homes were evacuated by police, but hundreds of other people have also chosen to leave the area.A total of 400 homes were evacuated by police, but hundreds of other people have also chosen to leave the area.
Police Snr Sgt Ash Tabb warned people that fires can change direction and move quickly, giving little time to escape.Police Snr Sgt Ash Tabb warned people that fires can change direction and move quickly, giving little time to escape.
"If you're worried, don't leave it too late - it's better to be safe than sorry.""If you're worried, don't leave it too late - it's better to be safe than sorry."
A Facebook group has been set up by local residents who are offering rooms or properties for people who have left their homes.
One man told New Zealand's Stuff website that he watched his home burn down from a distance.One man told New Zealand's Stuff website that he watched his home burn down from a distance.
"I can't believe it's just caught on fire after it survived the night," said Henry Reese."I can't believe it's just caught on fire after it survived the night," said Henry Reese.
A Facebook group has been set up by local residents who are offering rooms or properties for people who have left their homes. On Thursday, Mr English viewed the fire from the air, after which he suggested it could have been started deliberately.
Prime Minister Bill English arrived in Christchurch on Thursday morning and viewed the fire from the air. "I've only had a very brief description of the fire starting in two places at about the same time, which to me looks suspicious," he said.
He said it was "contained but not controlled", but that the local community "knows how to stick together when things are difficult". He earlier said the fire was "contained but not controlled", but that the local community "knows how to stick together when things are difficult".
With smoke spreading across the city, the council has issued a warning to residents to see a doctor if they experience breathing difficulties.With smoke spreading across the city, the council has issued a warning to residents to see a doctor if they experience breathing difficulties.
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