BREAKING NEWS

More than 1,000 people evacuated in New Zealand wildfire

By REUTERS

FEBRUARY 16, 2017 00:40

WELLINGTON - More than 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes and a state of emergency was declared in New Zealand's third largest city of Christchurch on Thursday because a wildfire threatens homes.

The fire in the Port Hills district of the city began earlier this week but spread rapidly overnight to cover more than 1,800 hectares (4,447.9 acres), emergency workers said.

Prime Minister Bill English canceled all his engagements to set off for Christchurch to monitor developments.

"The situation remains very serious," said David Adamson, Christchurch Civil Defence Controller. "Police and the Defence Force have had a huge job overnight with evacuations, the setting-up of cordons around key areas and security patrols of areas that have been evacuated."

Fifteen helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, the maximum number that can safely be in the air at any one time, have been dispatched amid forecasts for winds that could fan the flames.

A change in the wind direction is predicted for later in the week that will lower temperatures and humidity and could slow the fire's progress, emergency workers said.

A helicopter pilot died on Tuesday after crashing while tackling the blaze.

Police Lahav 433 Unit investigates beginning of war incidents

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

11/05/2024 04:38 PM

Israel strikes in Al Qusayr, Syria - report

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

11/05/2024 04:33 PM

Trump: Kamala will start WW3, get millions of Muslims killed

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

11/05/2024 01:10 PM

Putin tells Western diplomats Russia is committed to cooperation

By REUTERS