It was a worst case scenario for fire crews and residents as the two fires merged in to one.
The flames were unstoppable as crews fought hard to save homes and lives in a desperate battle - and Tai Tapu locals banded together to form their own community defence to the fire.
The fire ripped back through Early Valley on Wednesday night, taking out a homestead and decimating cultivated land.
Strong winds accelerated the flames overnight. The blaze moved closer to other houses as it destroyed just under 2000 hectares in its path.
Late on Wednesday there were scenes of chaos as evacuations got underway at the top of the Port Hills.
By first light on Thursday people further down the hill were also in danger and around a thousand people from 450 homes were asked to leave.
After the focus had been on trying to protect homes overnight, authorities moved their efforts back to throwing everything they have to tackle the blaze.
With firefighters stretched to capacity locals have fortified their properties. The community came out in force to defend local resident David Schiel's house.
"On the first day, we took this unit up the hill, and if it wasn't for that unit, Dave Schiel's house would have burnt down," says local farmer Roger Beattie.
Residents still in the firing line fear a sudden wind change could mean they're next.
"We had a working bee and created the fire break, and then had some trucks with water on it overnight just in case we had to fight it ourselves," says Tai Tapu resident Brent Rawstron.
Crews have been working around the clock - and residents are stepping up to protect their neighbours.
Newshub.
