Fundraising has netted more than $120,000 to help support the family of the helicopter pilot who died in a crash while fighting the Port Hills fires.
Steve Askin Photo: www.way2go.co.nz
Steve Askin, 38, died on Tuesday afternoon after his helicopter crashed near Sugarloaf.
A Give-a-Little page set up this week describes Mr Askin as a "family man, ex-SAS member and a Kiwi hero".
The page said his family was devastated.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Askin and two children, aged seven and four years.
More than 1800 people have donated $127,000 dollars so far.
Mr Askin was a decorated soldier who had served in Afghanistan.
Mr Askin's funeral service will be held on Monday in Wigram.