More than 1000 people have fled their home and at least seven houses have been destroyed as the bushfire in the New Zealand city of Christchurch continues to rage.
Around 450 homes were officially evacuated on Thursday morning, while more people may have left of their own accord.
"We understand it's hard for people to leave their homes but the fire can change direction and move incredibly quickly," said Senior Sergeant Ash Tabb.
Video footage has shown flames just metres from some houses.
The blaze, which started as two separate fires on Monday and which sparked a local Civil Defence state of emergency, was fanned by wind change, merged into one and covered more than 1850ha on Wednesday night, Civil Defence says.
It has already claimed the life of helicopter pilot Steve Askin, who crashed while battling the blaze on Tuesday.
At least seven houses have been destroyed.
Sixteen helicopters with monsson buckets took to the air at first light on Thursday but it could be another grim day.
Rain isn't expected until Friday afternoon.
"It's not a really good forecast for firefighting... we are expecting winds to develop this afternoon," Civil Defence controller Dave Adamson told RNZ.
An easterly wind is expected to turn into a northerly over the morning, with wind speeds picking up to 30km/h in the afternoon.
"At this point in time the fire's not threatening any other properties... but we'll just have to see how the day and the fire develops," Mr Adamson said.
On Thursday morning, Christchurch Civil Defence said a temperature drop and rise in humidity had helped drop the fire activity.
Around 120 firefighters and support crew have been involved in ground operations to battle the fires that broke out on Monday night.
About 85 Defence Force personnel are helping with efforts.
