Over 100 firefighters, 12 helicopters and two fixed-wing planes are working to fight the raging fire in Christchurch's Port Hills.
The fire was reported at 2.45pm yesterday on Worsleys Rd and had spread over an area of 100 hectares by the evening.
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says rubberneckers seem to have heeded the message to stay away.
"We've had FENZ-led meetings at the community centre, which is our evacuation hall. And they're commending the public of Christchurch and Selwyn for being so good and listening, which is music to my ears."
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