Photo: Stuff / Kai Schwoerer
Police have spoken to people seen on Christchurch's Port Hills walking track before a large blaze last week.
The 650-hectare vegetation fire broke out last week and firefighters still remained at the scene dampening down hot spots on Tuesday.
Police said they had spoken to witnesses in Hoon Hay Valley Road, who saw people on a walking track on the hills before driving off.
"Police have also spoken to the people in the car.
"It appears these people are all likely witnesses at this time."
Last week, police appealed to members of the public to come forward with photos and videos in the time before and after the fire began to help with their investigation.
More than 100 firefighters, with the help of helicopters, planes and heavy machinery have been working throughout the day and night to put the fire out.
Smoke could be seen from all over Christchurch when the fire first broke out. Photo: Supplied / Chris Norris
One container home was lost in the blaze and numerous residents were evacuated from their properties.
A state of emergency was also declared.
Anna Spark told RNZ she was shocked by the loss of her home and personal possessions, although she realised there was a good chance they would go in the inferno when she saw it.
"When we left the hill I could see flames as I drove off. We just thought anything that's burnable is toasted," she said.
"It's absolutely gutting, but I also at that point was just so grateful for the life of the animals.
"I probably haven't processed the loss of my stuff so much yet. I'm just focused on how grateful I am that all my babies are alive."
Anna Spark returns to her destroyed home. Photo: Supplied/ Anna Spark
Other residents said they would not be able to fully rest until the fire was completely extinguished.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, Fire and Emergency NZ incident controller Steve Kennedy said about 5 millimetres of rain had fallen on the fireground.
Overnight crews made "great progress" eliminating many of the hotspots and deep seated burning at one of the largest skid sites.
"The specialist drone crew continued thermal imaging overnight and has identified further areas that crews will focus on [Tuesday]."
Kennedy said the rain was welcomed and would help with suppressing the fire.
"However it also means conditions will be slippery so access tracks on the steep terrain will be checked before crews start working on some parts of the fireground.
"Firefighters will again be working with the support of heavy machinery and two helicopters are available."
Kennedy earlier said the fire risk remained extremely high.
Work that generates sparks, which includes mowing lawns, should be done earlier in the day when it is cooler, he said.
