A week after devastating wildfires blazed across the Port Hills, Christchurch City Council has released video footage showing the extent of the damage.
"Charred earth and forests reduced to skeletal trees are revealed in images taken from above the Port Hills," the council wrote in a Facebook post.
The footage was taken during a helicopter flight over the area early this week, the council said.
Port Hills blaze: The details
- The fires started on February 13, and swept across more than 2000 hectares of the mostly rural area
- 11 homes were destroyed and at least 400 properties were evacuated
- One man - helicopter pilot Steve Askin - was killed while battling the blaze
- More than 120 firefighters, 15 helicopters and three fixed wing planes fought the fire when it was strongest
- Two nearby schools were temporarily closed
- Firefighters are staying vigilant for possible flare-ups
Newshub.
