Joint New Zealand Fire Service and National Rural Fire Authority National Co-Ordination Centre for Port Hills fire response
16 February 2017
New Zealand Fire Service and National Rural Fire Authority are operating a joint National Co-Ordination Centre to support the Civil Defence Emergency in Christchurch. This is to ensure there is national oversight and resources available for urban and rural firefighting for the Port Hills fire response.
We are working with Civil Defence around their specific requirements. The New Zealand Fire Service, National Rural Fire Authority and New Zealand Defence Force are able to mobilise equipment and personnel across New Zealand at short notice.
There is a high level of resourcing on the ground, and on standby, but the intensity and size of the fire - 18km² - restricts the number of firefighters we can safely put right on the ground. The main tactic at present is an aerial attack to fight the most intense parts of the Port Hills fire. This is supported by firefighters on the ground who are strategically positioned at points around Christchurch to protect life and property.
We emphasise the importance of people staying away from the fire ground and closed off areas. Please keep alert for any instructions from Civil Defence.
--ENDS--
To be attributed to Gary Lockyer, Response Co-Ordinator, National Rural Fire Authority