The fire burning more than 2000 hectares of Nelson bush is closing in on the town of Wakefield as 23 helicopters, two planes and 150 firefighters today worked in what emergency services say is a dynamic and changeable situation.
Firefighters dampening down hotspots in the fire zone in the north east sector. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
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Essential information:
- People forcibly or voluntarily evacuating the area are asked to please take water, food, medicines, pets and valuables and asked to register at Saxton Field Stadium, Stoke or ring 03 543 8400.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest information from Tasman Civil Defence on their social page.
- View an interactive map of the area with estimated fire size, closures, evacuation zones. Disclaimer: for official public information see Tasman Civil Defence.
- Two community meetings on the firefighting efforts took place today: 9am at Appleby School and again at 11am at Hope Community Church.
- If evacuation is necessary a text alert will be sent out.
- Nelson City Council has closed reserves and tracks
- Road closures / cordons: Pigeon Valley at SH6 intersection; Moutere Highway from Redwood Road to Waimea West Road intersection; Golden Hill Rd at Moutere Highway intersection; Eves Valley Road; Teapot Valley Road; Golden Hills Rd at Challies Road intersection; Redwood valley Rd and Redwood Valley lane; Barton Lane; Symmonds Rd; Arnold Lane; Dovedale Road - Pigeon Valley; Bird Lane; Franklin Close; Martin Avenue; SH6 from Barton Lane to Baigent Valley Road; 88 Valley Rd outside number 66; Gibbs Valley and Church Valley Roads intersection; Cycle Track off Higgins Road; Bird Road at corner of Bird/Higgins Road; Bridge Valley and Mt Heslington where they intersect Higgins Road; Barton Lane and Higgins Road intersection (blocking access on to Barton Lane); Wensley Road between Queen Street and Oxford Street in Richmond.
- Feel in danger? People who feel in danger should call 111. If you or your family and friends in the affected areas need assistance, contact Nelson Tasman Civil Defence. Anyone with a medical, welfare or other need are asked to reach out for support.
- Health and welfare, stress or anxiety: Care for those around you, including neighbours and especially the ill and elderly and those who live alone. For medical help contact your GP first or emergency department for emergenceis. Talking can be therapeutic. Further advice from Nelson Marlborough DHB.
- If you want to donate to the Mayoral Relief fund, please use the following details: Tasman District Council, ASB Bank Ltd, Nelson Commercial Banking; account number: 12-3193-0002048-03
- Need to move animals? A centre for the care of horses, cattle, sheep and goats is available at the A&P showgrounds. There is a centre for companion animals like pets at the Civil Defence Centre at St Johns Church
- If you are nearby and safe and would like to share pictures, video, newstips with us, please email it: iwitness@radionz.co.nz
More of RNZ's coverage of the Nelson fires:
- Prepare your evacuation packs - mayor
- Damage to Nelson farms being assessed
- Residents prepare under ashen skies
- Water shortage bites, flames to burn all weekend
- Little rain relief, winds to pick up as fire rages
- Firefighters in race against the wind
- Government confirms support