Wildfire descends on Christchurch
Residents fled from at least 400 homes as two wildfires converged into one front on the outskirts of the South Island city on Wednesday. By Thursday the fire had claimed 11 homes and the life of one helicopter pilot.
Residents flee
People fled from at least 400 homes as authorities declared a state of emergency in two districts. The local mayor said the danger wasn't over yet on Thursday.
Help from above
Up to 15 helicopters helped battle the flames by dumping water from above. Crews said they were planning on letting the fire burn itself out.
Pilot dies
A decorated special veteran, piloting one of the firefighting helicopters, died in a crash on Tuesday. His formerly secret role in defense missions in Afghanistan were only revealed after his death.
Cause unknown
Prime Minister Bill English said he thought the fires seemed "suspicious." Local media attributed the first fire to an electrical fault. The cause of the second fire, which seemed to begin in a carpark, was unknown on Thursday.
Fires unusual for New Zealand
Fires of this intensity are rare for New Zealand. Regular rain usually keeps fires at bay, unlike their Australian neighbors.