Adams AmyMOTIONSChristchurch and Selwyn Districts—FiresHon AMY ADAMS (Minister of Justice) on behalf of the Minister of Civil Defence: I seek leave to move a motion without notice on the fires in Christchurch and Selwyn.Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.Hon AMY ADAMS I wish to inform the House that the significant fires in the Christchurch and Selwyn districts which started on Monday 13 February increased in severity overnight across the Port Hills. A state of local emergency over the areas affected was declared at 5 past 6 on Wednesday evening.Firstly can we send our deepest sympathies to the family of helicopter pilot Mr Steven Askin who tragically lost his life fighting the blaze. Mr Askin gave outstanding service to his country over his life and I know that he will be greatly missed. I also want to acknowledge the front-line crews of emergency services who are doing an outstanding job as they work to contain the fire and protect public property in difficult conditions and of course the many volunteers who are supporting them.This morning the Prime Minister the Minister of Civil Defence and the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black visited some of the affected areas and emergency operation centres. The Ministry of Civil Defence has been actively monitoring the situation in the emergency National Crisis Management Centre.The Port Hills fires are being fought on three fronts: Early Valley Road Worsleys Road and Governors Bay. The estimated area of the fire is now in excess of 2000 hectares. The fire is extremely intense and is particularly challenging to contain because of the steep terrain high levels of highly combustible vegetation in the area particularly limited access challenging wind direction and the location near to urban areas. The geography and access has meant that the fire is largely only able to be fought aerially.Evacuations have been continuing as the fires burn. At last update 450 properties had been officially evacuated on the Port Hills areas around Victoria Park Dyers Pass Road Worsleys Road in Westmorland and Kennedys Bush in particular. Most people are staying with family and friends. It is certainly heart-warming to see New Zealanders looking after each other. People were supported by Civil Defence Emergency Management overnight and civil defence centres are open for those who need assistance. There have been homes that have been damaged by the fire and the extent of the damage is still being assessed although it is fair to say that the damage and the number of homes affected would be considerably greater if it was not for the tremendous work of those fighting the fire.I know you will join me in expressing that our thoughts are with all of those affected by the emergency. The Government stands committed and ready to provide whatever resources are needed to assist the local response. A number of agencies are working together to fight the blaze and support the community: rural fire authorities across the South Island the New Zealand Fire Service the New Zealand Defence Force the New Zealand Police Civil Defence and private aircraft and heavy machinery operators. Everyone is working hard to make sure the people affected by the fires are kept safe and communities and emergency services receive the support they need.Our No. 1 priority is of course ensuring the safety and well-being of the public and the emergency responders. People should keep themselves up to date with the latest news through the Christchurch City Council Civil Defence's social media and website or Selwyn District Council's information line. It is imperative that members of the public keep away from the affected areas of the hills.