UPDATED 12.06pm: 120 firefighters are doing all they can to prevent any further damage to homes and property in Christchurch's Port Hills.

Selwyn Civil Defence say the two fires now cover an area of 700 hectares, but fire services on the ground say the affected area is more like 150 hectares.

The blazes near Early Valley Road and the Summit Road started within an hour of each other after 6pm last night.

Rural Fire Officer Douglas Marshall says 25 private properties are still threatened by the blazes.

One home and multiple farm sheds have been destroyed.

#UPDATE: Newstalk ZB reporter Josh Price updates us from the fire control command area. @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/zEeHyzxRC5

— Chris Lynch (@lynchinnz) February 13, 2017

Principal Rural Fire Officer for Selwyn District Council Nigel Marshall said there's very little wind at the moment, which is very helpful.

He said 11 helicopters are about to start their operations for the day.

The evacuated households from the Early Valley Road area are staying at Tai Tapu School, where a welfare centre is operating.

Road closures are in place on Early Valley Road, Holmes Road and the Summit Road from Dyers Pass Road to Gebbies Pass Road.

Fire crews have been on standby patrolling the affected areas.

The Selwyn District Council is warning people to stay well away from the area and off the roads – so emergency services personnel can do their job and keep people safe.

An Emergency Operation Centre is open in the Tai Tapu/ Port Hills. 

 

Video by Josh Price / Newstalk ZB