Schools and residents are being evacuated in Kaikōura this afternoon as Fire and Emergency NZ battles “multiple large fires” in the area.
Police said a number of cordons were in place, and multiple roads have been closed.
“Police are also assisting with the evacuations of schools and residents in the surrounding areas.”
It advised members of the public to travel to Kaikoura High School or the Kaikoura Golf Course if they had been evacuated.
Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it had also received multiple calls to damage caused by strong winds.
“Firefighters are prioritising incidents where life is at risk.”
Firefighters from both Marlborough and Canterbury were working to contain the fires.
Fire and Emergency said anyone who felt unsafe in their home due to the proximity of the fires should self-evacuate.
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