Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Pigeon Valley Fire update 43 - 12:30 hours 12/02/2019

Pigeon Valley Fire update 43 - 12:30 hours 12/02/2019

 

Next media standup

The next media standup will be held at 4 pm today at Tasman District Council office in Queen Street Richmond.

Restricted residents access
Residents in all evacuated areas were permitted access for two hours this morning to care for animals, check properties and collect essential supplies. This was overseen by emergency personnel to ensure everyone stayed safe.
Work on the possibility of conditional re-entry continues as a top priority.

Fire and Emergency update

Everyone is reminded that there is a complete fire ban in place throughout the region.
A ban on the use of machinery that could trigger a fire is still in place. For more details on what that involves, check out these frequently asked questions.

Civil Defence Centre relocation

The Richmond Civil Defence Centre is now at the Richmond New Life Church at 85 Wensley Road. The centre will be open from 8 am until 7 pm daily and will remain open as long as needed. It is the place to go to ask questions and find out about services available to people affected by the fire.

 

Animal Welfare
The Ministry for Primary Industries has been working with the SPCA National Rescue Unit, Massey University, HUHANZ on a coordinated animal welfare response to the fires.

Some companion pets have been leaving the showgrounds with owners heading back into Wakefield, about 20 at this stage.  Owners of livestock at the showgrounds are encouraged to leave them there at this stage.

Federated Farmers Feed line is distributing feed that has been donated. Priority will be given to farms who rely on farm income for their living and have been affected by fire – damaged or loss of pasture or buildings, or damage from firefighting equipment work, can apply for feed. Phone 0800 327 646 option 2.

If you need more information about animal welfare or have concerns about animals affected by the fire MPI is providing regular updates about the animal welfare response to the Tasman Fires on its website, here:www.mpi.govt.nz/tasman-fires

The Rural Support Trust (RST) is also available to support farmers, growers and others in the rural sector. They provide free and confidential support, advice and referrals, including health, finances and more. RST can be contacted on 0800 787 254.
 
Public health
The Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service regularly updates its advice on health issues related to smoke, potential water contamination, mental health and wellbeing and other topics related to the fire.

This information, along with information about where to get healthcare and how to help children at this time, is on the NMH public website homepage here.

Weather forecast
Fine and sunny.
Wind: Light winds at first (mainly southwest) becoming north to northwest 10-20km/hr towards midday.  A change during the afternoon (1-3pm) to westerly 20-35km/hr, then tending to southwest 25-40km/hr by evening ( 4-6pm) with possible gusts of 50km/hr in exposed places. 
Southwesterlies easing to 15-25km/hr tonight.
 
Current road closures:
There is no change to the existing road closures at this time. 

For ongoing weather alert updates please go to www.metservice.com or www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz.

 

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.