- Fire area has been reassessed, now covers 1600 ha, with a perimeter of 23km. See an updated map here.
- 100 staff are on the ground fighting the fire.
- Rabbit Island fire is out and an investigation into the cause is underway
- No further evacuations at this time, a total of 182 properties, approximately 400 residents were affected
- One dwelling confirmed as lost at this time
Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Roger Ball says "Prime Minister Jacinda Adern visited the site this morning for an update on the situation and offered messages of support to all those affected by the fire. She and Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi also passed their thanks on to the front line staff and the many volunteers working on the incident."
Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain the Pigeon Valley Fire.
We’ve had favourable weather conditions for fighting the fire yesterday and today and the fire has not grown in size.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand advise that due to the decrease in fire intensity we have been better able to access some fronts of the perimeter this morning, which has allowed us to further assess and re-evaluate the extent of the fire. The fire area has been reduced to around 1,600 ha, with a perimeter of 23km.
However, it’s important to note that the situation is still vulnerable to change if the weather conditions change.
There are now around 100 firefighters on the ground from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Defence Force and the Department of Conservation, as well as heavy machinery operators and air craft crew working hard to contain the fire.
Today Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been creating chemical fire breaks with fixed wing planes, digging firebreaks with bulldozers and digging reservoirs for monsoon buckets on the helicopters.
Keep out of the fire area
Hard cordons are in place at the locations listed below. Please stay out of the affected areas for your own safety and so you don't hinder the firefighting effort.
Checks within the affected areas are planned to commence today by FENZ and a building inspector to assess fire affected areas and ensure these are safe before allowing people to re-enter.
Rabbit Island Fire contained
Rabbit Island fire broke out yesterday afternoon has been contained and mop up work is now underway. Police and FENZ are investigating the cause of the fire, which is yet to be determined.
Evacuations and welfare
The Civil Defence Centre at St John’s Church, Wakefield remains open this afternoon but will close from 8pm tonight and reopen at 8am tomorrow unless there is a change to the current situation.
Any residents who have evacuated or self-evacuated and haven’t yet registered are asked to do so by calling 03 543 8400 to register by phone.
Animal welfare
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. Please leave your name and contact number on the stable door and provide food for your animals. There is water available on site.
For sheep and cattle – please call the contact centre on 03 543 8400 and we can help make arrangements for you to get access to the racecourse oval to accommodate them.
Confirmed road closures / cordons
Hard cordons are now in place and the following roads are closed.
- Pigeon Valley Road at the fire station to the last driveway before the seal in Dovedale (approx. 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
- The intersection of Redwood Valley Road and Redwood Valley Lane
- Green Acres Road
- Mailing Road
Changes to school bus routes
School Bus pickup points are changing. Pick up times will remain as normal.
- Redwood Valley / Redwood Lane, Malling Road & Greenacres Road: The bus will pick up at each of the intersections with the Moutere Highway.
- Teapot Valley and Eves Valley: The bus will pick up at each of the intersections with Waimea West road.
- Pigeon Valley: The bus will pick you up at the Wakefield Village Green.
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
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