Pigeon Valley Fire update 29 - 22:20 hours 10/02/2019
10 February 2019
Reminder: A state of emergency is still in place, please respect cordons and follow instructions of emergency services.
Wakefield escorted convoys from 0600 tomorrow
The escorted convoys along State Highway 6 through Wakefield will run for extended hours on weekdays, starting tomorrow Monday 11 February, as long as conditions are appropriate.
The convoys will start at 6am and run through to 7pm on demand.
This service is for local residents only to provide access for school and work.
No stopping and no deviations will be allowed - this is to allow people to commute. State Highway 6 at Wakefield remains closed.
Community meetings
We will be holding two community meetings tomorrow evening – Monday 11 February.
- 5.30pm at Appleby School
- 7.30pm at Hope Community Church Ranzau Road
Evacuations and re-entry
We are in a changeable situation and the fire is still unpredictable. We appreciate that there is frustration. Our priority remains keeping everyone safe, and protecting property.
Further detailed plans about re-entry to homes for residents are under development. Details should be available tomorrow morning.
To enable this re-entry process to run smoothly, we need your contact details.
If you have not registered you must do so by phoning 03 543 8400 or registering at the Civil Defence Centre at Saxton Field Stadium.
Animal Welfare
Following controlled access visits today to properties in Eves Valley, Pigeon Valley, Teapot Valley and Redwood, no significant animal welfare issues were reported.
We hope this news will relieve some of the anxiety for evacuated residents. MPI teams will continue checking properties where possible.
Donations
Thanks to everyone who has donated or offered goods and services so far.
Emergency operations staff are being catered for by the NZDF, so donations of food while really appreciated, are not required for first responders.
This does not mean the community can't support each other. Sharing food and caring for each other is vitally important.
Please check on neighbours, the elderly and other people in your community. We are all in this together and talking to each other really helps.
If you'd like to support those people in your community who are affected, donations in cash are much easier to handle than goods.
Please make any donations to the Mayoral Relief Fund:
- Tasman District Council, ASB Bank Ltd, Nelson Commercial Banking
- Bank/branch account number: 12-3193-0002048-03
Include in the reference "relief fund" and your name and contact phone number. Thank you.
Media standup 0830 Monday
The next media briefing will be at Tasman District Council, 8.30am Monday 11 February.
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
The Red Cross are also accepting donations and we thank them for their help.