Nelson bush fire: What you need to know

Friday, 8 February 2019

Wakefield residents have been told to leave their homes and evacuate immediately.

The Nelson bush fire, which began on Tuesday, covers 2100 hectares with an approximate 23 kilometre perimeter. Firefighters worked overnight to tackle the fire, which had intensified on Thursday.

The fire progression had slowed on Friday morning, the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management said.

Meanwhile another fire broke out in Nelson City at Walters Bluff track, however firefighters and helicopters have brought this under control.

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Residents in Pigeon Valley are also evacuating their homes, due to heavy smoke from the Nelson fire.

The Government announced $50,000 of further funding for those affected by the Nelson bush fire.

The announcement comes after a medium-scale adverse event had been declared for the Tasman district.

The funding will go towards the Rural Support Trusts and primary industry groups 'to help speed up the recovery of farming and horticultural businesses', said Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor.

This announcement comes after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged $20,000 for the community on Thursday.

The initial $20,000 would go to the Mayoral Relief Fund, which had been set up by the Tasman District Council.

EVACUATIONS

Residents of Wakefield township had been asked to evacuate immediately earlier on Friday evening.

The evacuations in Wakefield affect approximately 1200 residents, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said.

People who evacuate their homes are asked to report to the Civil Defence Centre. The Civil Defence Centre in Wakefield has been moved to Saxton Field Stadium. Evacuees can also report to Civil Defence by calling 03 543 8400.

Police had been in the area knocking on doors and assisting residents.

People were asked to please take water, food, medicines, pets and valuables.

Areas south of Wakefield are still being asked to prepare to evacuate. People who have self-evacuated should call 03 543 8400 to check in.

Earlier, a total of 180 Nelson/Tasman properties had been confirmed evacuated, affecting approximately 398 residents. One home has been lost.

The fire ground from Pigeon Valley to the Redwood Hills in Tasman.

Evacuations have occurred in Eves Valley, Golden Hills Rd, Redwood Valley Rd, Mallings Rd and Greenacres Rd.

Residents of Pigeon Valley were asked to leave their homes due to the weather conditions and heavy smoke.

ROAD CLOSURES

Access will only be allowed for emergency vehicles.

State Highway 6 From Wakefield to Brightwater has been closed
Pigeon Valley Road at the fire station to the last driveway before the seal in Dovedale (around 381 Dovedale Road).
Moutere Highway from Redwood Rd to Waimea West Road intersection
Eves Valley Road
Teapot Valley Road
Golden Hills Road at Moutere Highway intersection
Golden Hills Road at Challies Road intersection
The intersection of Redwood Valley Road and Redwood Valley Lane
Green Acres Road
Barton Lane
Simmonds Road
Arnold Lane
Cambria Street (from Tasman Street)
Weka Street (from Tasman Street)
Atawhai Crescent (between State Highway and Milton Street)
Milton Street
State Highway 6 is closed between Port Nelson and Atawhai

WEATHER

The weather on Friday shows a high of 21 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy with seabreezes, according to MetService.

'We expect today to be similar to yesterday and it is likely that the fire will continue to burn over the weekend,' said Incident Controller John Sutton.

Saturday's weather is forecast to reach 23C, with a chance of a morning shower but otherwise fine.

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.

FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

Some flights have been delayed on Friday due to a restricted flight zone around the fire.

Travellers are asked to check to the Nelson Airport website to for their flight status or contact the airline directly.

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

Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254