Fire crews continue to kept watch in Christchurch as the potential for fire on the Port Hills remains.
The Port Hills fire on 15 December burnt through 16 hectares of tussock and scrub. Photo: RNZ / Nathan McKinnon
Two fire crews kept watch overnight.
Fire and Emergency yesterday successfully contained a blaze after sparks from a construction site started a scrub fire that led to the evacuation of 16 homes in Clifton.
There were no flareups last night and the evacuees have returned home. There's more hot and dry weather on the way for the city.
Fire and Emergency assistant area manager Mike Bowden told Morning Report there were some drone teams out from 5am surveying the site.
"There were 12 small hot spots identified and that's being passed onto the crews there."
He said crews would be there till 4pm to keep watch.
Bowden said the hills were mainly made up of short grass, but with pockets of pine and bush in the valleys; and some places were difficult to access.
It was important for construction contractors to have a water supply that was ready to go, he said.
"Everybody needs to be vigilant. Homeowners need to be vigilant, get sprinkler systems around your building, plant native plants - there's a whole bunch of things people can do. Ring at the earliest possible sign and we'll get our resources there as quickly as we possibly can."
He said arson was always a concern but Fire worked closely with police.
