Pigeon Valley Fire update 14 - 0720 hours 08/02/2019
8 February 2019
Civil Defence are recommending that the schools in the Wakefield area are closed today, as a precaution. This would aid emergency services should an evacuation occur. Fortunately wind changes mean that the risk of fire proceeding towards Wakefield has reduced overnight but predicted wind changes later in the day may change this situation.
To reiterate earlier messaging - If the call to evacuate happens, Wakefield residents will be directed and assisted by NZ Police and NZ Defence Force personnel. Any evacuation call will be accompanied by another text alert for those residents with compatible smartphones.
If you feel uncomfortable staying in your home, and would like to self-evacuate, then please make sure your property is safe and secure before leaving. If you have pets, please take them with you. You can register that you have self-evacuated at 03 543 8400.
At this stage those that self-evacuate are recommended to stay with family or friends in areas not affected by the fire. A Civil Defence Centre is also open in Wakefield.
There will be a media conference at 0830 followed by ongoing updates throughout the day.
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