Live updates on Nelson fire, day 7: Firefighters optimistic

Monday, 11 February 2019, 10:19 am
Article: RNZ

Live updates on Nelson fire, day 7: Firefighters optimistic of bringing blaze under control

Firefighters are optimistic they may finally be able to bring the fire in the Tasman district under control today.

Nelson-Tasman Civil Defence area controller Roger Ball said there had been some outstanding work on managing the fire.

"Due to the good progress we are actively working on a plan for the re-entry into the Wakefield township. We will let residents know when it is safe to do so and under what conditions.

"The areas of Eves Valley, Teapot Valley, Redwood Valley and Pigeon Valley are also being actively assessed."

Fire and Emergency incident controller John Sutton said it felt like they may have turned a corner, and they would know by the time it gets dark tonight whether or not that's so.

He said if the wind didn't get any stronger than forecast, fire crews should be able to control the fire.

The fire has been burning for nearly a week and 3000 people remain evacuated - most from the town of Wakefield.

Hot dry and windy weather is expected for the Nelson-Tasman region for at least a week.

NIWA forecaster Chris Brandolino said the chance of rain in the coming days was slim.

"Today we can see some gusts upwards of 25 to 30km/h around midday. But, there may be a second peak of gusty north easterlies upwards of 35 to 40km/h late afternoon-early evening," Mr Brandolino said.

"As we head through the week, temperatures are going to warm ... by Thursday, temperatures could be in the upper 20s. Unfortunately, very little rain is forecast. There is a high probability that over the next ten days, certainly week, that no more than 5ml falls as an accumulation."

Escorted convoys along State Highway 6 through Wakefield resumed at 6am and would run on-demand until 7pm as conditions allowed.

They are for local residents only, to provide access to school and work, Civil Defence says.

Essential information:

• People forcibly or voluntarily evacuating the area are asked to please take water, food, medicines, pets and valuables and asked to register at Saxton Field Stadium, Stoke or ring 03 543 8400.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest information from Tasman Civil Defence on their social page.

• View an interactive map of the area with estimated fire size, closures, evacuation zones. Disclaimer: for official public information see Tasman Civil Defence.

• If evacuation is necessary a text alert will be sent out.

• Nelson City Council has closed reserves and tracks

• Feel in danger? People who feel in danger should call 111. If you or your family and friends in the affected areas need assistance, contact Nelson Tasman Civil Defence. Anyone with a medical, welfare or other need are asked to reach out for support.

• Health and welfare, stress or anxiety: Care for those around you, including neighbours and especially the ill and elderly and those who live alone. For medical help contact your GP first or emergency department for emergencies. Talking can be therapeutic. Further advice from Nelson Marlborough DHB.

• If you want to donate to the Mayoral Relief fund, please use the following details: Tasman District Council, ASB Bank Ltd, Nelson Commercial Banking; account number: 12-3193-0002048-03

• Need to move animals? A centre for the care of horses, cattle, sheep and goats is available at the A&P showgrounds. There is a centre for companion animals like pets at the Civil Defence Centre at St Johns Church

• If you are nearby and safe and would like to share pictures, video, newstips with us [Radio NZ], please email it: iwitness@radionz.co.nz

Check this map for basic information, but do not rely on it for accuracy if you are in the area

More of RNZ's coverage of the Nelson fires:
• Redwood Valley evacuee's story
• Blaze nears Wakefield river flats
• Prepare your evacuation packs - mayor
• Damage to Nelson farms being assessed
• Residents prepare under ashen skies
• Water shortage bites, flames to burn all weekend
• Little rain relief, winds to pick up as fire rages

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ