A war hero cited for 'exceptional bravery' after being wounded in a battle with the Taliban has died fighting wildfires in his native New Zealand.

Corporal David Steven Askin, who served in New Zealand's SAS in Afghanistan, was killed in a helicopter crash in Port Hills, Christchurch.

The 38-year-old had been pouring water onto the devastating flames which have engulfed land around the city.

He died at the scene of the crash on Tuesday.

David Steven Askin pictured after a firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2011

The crash claimed the life of SAS war hero Corporal David Steven Askin, who was fighting the flames

He was one of four troops famously photographed outside the InterContinental Hotel following a siege by Taliban commandos in Kabul in June 2011.

Askin and his colleagues were credited with saving the lives of numerous guests and officials at the hotel.

Twenty people were killed in the raid. Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said at the time: 'Our NZSAS personnel operate in dangerous and volatile situations and all of these men have demonstrated extreme courage in the face of a determined enemy.'

In 2014, Askin was wounded during a grenade-and-gun battle with the Taliban. He was awarded the New Zealand Gallantry Star, the second-highest military honour, for his bravery.

The 38-year-old died SAS war hero died at the scene of the crash

Paying tribute to the war hero, Army chief Major General Peter Kelly said, the NZ Herald reports: 'He was an outstanding soldier who served his country with bravery and commitment. The same bravery and commitment he showed in helping his community fight these fires.

'During his time in Afghanistan, Corporal Askin displayed great gallantry and leadership in the face of the enemy. He put himself in the line of fire, and put the objectives of the mission before his personal wellbeing.'

More than 1,000 people fled their homes and at least seven houses have been destroyed by a bushfire.

About 450 homes were officially evacuated on Thursday morning, while more people 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,' police Senior Sergeant Ash Tabb said.

The fires were fanned by strong winds and merged into one. It covered more than 1850 hectares on Wednesday night

The devastating fires forced more than 1,000 people to flee their homes

The blaze, which started as two separate fires on Monday and which sparked a local state of emergency, was fanned by strong winds.

It covered more than 1,850 hectares on Wednesday night, emergency officials said.

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.

