Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Pigeon Valley Fire update 45 - 10:00 hours 13/02/2019

Pigeon Valley Fire update 45 - 10:00 hours 13/02/2019

 

Fire situation

There was an increase in fire activity last night due to a drop in humidity a few flare-ups and a breach in the control line around the east of the fire ground but this has been dealt with. Overnight work focussed on securing containment lines and extinguishing hotspots.

The fire perimeter is about 33km, covering around 2,400 hectares.

The focus today is on securing the containment lines and extinguishing hotspots. We also have a team focussed on assessing dangerous trees.

Resources in action today:

  • Around 150 personnel on the ground
  • 14 heavy machines (dozers and excavators)
  • 9 helicopters

The total fire ban remains in place, and there is a ban on use of heavy machinery in most of the Nelson Tasman region.

The Civil Defence State of Emergency has been extended until 20 February.

Fire and Emergency continue to remind everyone to be vigilant and report any sign of fire or suspicious activity to 111.

 

Conditional re-entry for residents

We will continue to work in conjunction with Fire and Emergency and Police on conditional re-entry to the Valleys. This is a complex task with about 200 properties involved.

We are not in a position to advise on timeframes but teams are working on risk assessment and a plan for conditional re-entry.

 

Community meeting

There will be a community meeting tonight at the Hope Community Church, Raznau Road, starting 7pm.

The conditional re-entry for the Valley areas will be top of the agenda and the Mayor, along with Fire and Emergency and other experts, will be on hand to outline the situation and answer questions.  

 

Where to get help

The Civil Defence Centre is open daily from 8am to 7pm at the Richmond New Life Church, 85 Wensley Road. They will be providing support and connecting people to the appropriate support agencies.

The volunteer community in Nelson continues to provide amazing support to those affected. The Suburbs Clubrooms at Saxton is open for affected residents that need assistance with grocery suppliers.

 

Donations

People wanting to make donations to help members of the community affected by the fires should make donations to the Mayoral Relief Fund.

A page has been set up on the website with bank account details, along a form for people to register to volunteer.

 

Further updates

Updates will be available on the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence website and facebook page, both Nelson City and Tasman District Council facebook pages and websites, and through Newstalk ZB 1341AM and BrianFm radio at 105.6 FM.

Ends.

Media Contact:
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management 
027 703 0409

Further updates will be provided as soon as it is available.