New Zealanders fleeing fire

christchurch - Thousands of New Zealanders are in the city of Christchurch fled their homes because of bushfires. About 700 hectares of forest has been destroyed by fire and the authorities on Wednesday declared a state of emergency.

The fire rages in the Port Hills in the largest city of New Zealand on the South Island. Least seven houses were already prey to the fire. During firefighting helicopter crashed Tuesday down, allowing the pilot was killed.

According to the Ministry of Defence will also be deployed soldiers in fighting the fire.