Pigeon Valley Fire update 48 - 2100 hours 13/02/2019
13 February 2019
There has been excellent work today containing the fire following the flare-ups that occurred last night. Due to these efforts, and following detailed risk analysis and fire mapping, it has been determined that there is a reduced level of risk that will allow greater access to some of the evacuated areas.
Conditional re-entry for Pigeon Valley South Branch residents
From 8am on Thursday 14 February, residents of the following areas of Pigeon Valley South will be able to return to their homes:
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Pigeon Valley Road from SH6 to the intersection at Pigeon Valley South Branch Road (including Golf Road and Watkins Lane)
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Pigeon Valley South Branch Road.
Access is for residents only, and we ask that no one else comes into the area. Police will be maintaining a high presence and roadblocks. There still remains a significant risk, and residents must remain ready to evacuate again at short notice.
Unfortunately due to the continued high risks, residents of Pigeon Valley Road beyond the intersection with Pigeon Valley South Branch Road will be unable to return to their homes.
However, we have been able to extend the hours of the restricted residential access programme: residents will be able to access their homes between 8am and 2pm. Cordons will remain in place.
Restricted residential access extended for some areas
From Thursday 14 February, restricted residential access for the following areas will also be extended from 8am to 2pm:
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Golden Hills
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Eves Valley
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Teapot Valley
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Pigeon Valley Road beyond the intersection with Pigeon Valley South Branch Road (see above), including Sharp Road.
Restricted residential access is conditional on Fire and Emergency NZ assessments of the fire conditions at the time and may be cancelled at short notice. Restricted residential access is available for residents and essential workers. Workers must be accompanied by a resident and travel in the same vehicle.
Redwood Valley
No change to restricted residential access for residents of Redwood Valley due to continuing high risk in this area. Residents of Redwood Valley will continue to be able to enter their homes from 10am to 12pm.
Safety information and evacuation notices
All residents must remain ready to evacuate again at short notice. Continuous sirens will sound and residents will receive a text message if an evacuation is called.
Information for residents returning home is available here.
http://www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz/information-for-people-returning-home/
If you see flames or fire call 111.
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.