Nelson bush fire: What you need to know
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
Firefighters are working to contain a massive ongoing bush fire near Nelson.
The fire was called in about 2pm on Tuesday at Pigeon Valley, near Wakefield, about 30 kilometres southwest of Nelson.
A state of emergency was called on Wednesday morning, with the fire spreading to cover 1900 hectares with an approximate 22km perimeter by the evening.
A Civil Defence spokesman said there was at least one house gone with others yet to be confirmed.
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Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze.
'At this stage, it's almost certain that it's as a result of … a spark from agricultural machinery,' said Fire and Emergency New Zealand regional manager rural John Sutton.
'There was a tractor towing discs in a rocky field and … I wouldn't say certain but it's highly likely that's how it started.'
Sutton said he believe the owner of the tractor was mortified.
'It's an accidental event, it's certainly nothing that anyone would hope to happen. It's a totally unintended consequence.'
There was also a second fire on Rabbit Island, which is contained.
EVACUATIONS
The fire has prompted the evacuation of 182 homes.
Evacuations have occurred in Eves Valley, Golden Hills Rd, Redwood Valley Rd, Mallings Rd and Greenacres Rd.
The Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Group has asked people who evacuate their home to register at the Civil Defence Centre.
The Civil Defence Centre is located at at St Johns Church, Edwards St in Wakefield.
Those who evacuate can also call Civil Defence on 03 5437290 to register they have moved and are safe.
ROAD CLOSURES
Access will only be allowed for emergency vehicles.
* Pigeon Valley Road at fire station to the last driveway before 381 Dovedale Road
* Moutere Highway from Redwood Rd to Waimea West Road intersection
* Eves Valley Road
* Teapot Road
* Golden Hills Road at Moutere Highway intersection
* Golden Hills Road at Challies Road intersection
* Intersection of Redwood Valley Road and Redwood Valley Lane
* Green Acres Road
* Mailing Road
WEATHER
Thursday has dawned cooler than Wednesday, but MetService is predicting more hot dry weather.
Morning cloudy periods are expected, after which the weather will be fine with light winds.
Sutton said it had been good down on the ground.
'We've had favourable weather and fire behaviour,' he said.
FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS
Nelson Airport New Zealand has said there is 'a lot of smoke' around the airport, however all flights are operating as scheduled.
Travellers can find flight information in the region on the Nelson Airport New Zealand website.
ANIMALS AND PETS
Livestock needing to be evacuated due to the Pigeon Valley Fire can be accommodated at the Richmond Showgrounds.
Horses, sheep and goats can be accommodated in empty stables – use the Campground Gate to the Showgrounds and follow the road to the stable blocks. Leave your name and contact number on the stable door and provide food for your animals. There is water available onsite.
For sheep and cattle – you should call the contact centre on 03 543 8400. They can help make arrangements for you to get access to the racecourse oval to accommodate them.
Alternatively, if people need help finding temporary shelter for animals they can contact SPCA's Nelson centre on 03 547 7171.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Fire, police or ambulance: 111
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence: 03 543 7290
Tasman District Council: 03 543 8400
Nelson District Council: 03 546 0200