1 NEWS NOW'S live coverage of the Tasman fire emergency concludes for Saturday, February 9, when the massive fire continued to burn for a fifth day.
This was our second article of live coverage today, for the earlier version click here.
8.10pm - The update also contained information for those wanting to donate:
Two charities are taking donations from members of the public to support people affected by the fire near Wakefield, the Tasman District Council Mayoral relief fund and the Red Cross.
8.08pm - The update also contained information about the Walters Bluff fire, saying is still under control with three crews and a bulldozer on site all day working to extinguish remaining hot spots.
8.00pm - Civil Defence have given another update, saying a state of emergency is still in place.
Wakefield Evacuations
Residents in the Wai-iti area are being asked to prepare to evacuate. This is a precautionary measure to allow residents time to plan for an orderly departure, should it become necessary because of the progress of the fire. Anyone preparing to evacuate should:
Reminder: All those who have evacuated are asked to register at Saxton Field Stadium or ring 03 543 8400.
Pigeon Valley fire
Fire conditions have been as predicted during the day. Some air support was used in the Redwood area to address existing fires in some of the gully areas.
Resources in action in the area include 23 helicopters, two fixed wing planes, a drone team, 29 firefighting crews and around 150 firefighters. These are a mix of vegetation and structure specialist crews from right across the country - from as far north as Auckland to as far south as Southland.
There are also 47 Incident Management staff and 23 heavy machines (excavators and bulldozers).
Additional resources from around the country will also be arriving to assist and replace some crews who have been working for five days.
Tomorrow wind gusts are predicted to reach up to around 50km/h, which would heighten the fire danger.
7:15pm - Police have released a statement reiterating the message to those in Wai-iti. Key points below:
· Be prepared to evacuate this evening
· Police will knock at your door if the situation demands that you leave
· If you need to leave, you will need to leave quickly.
· Depending on the conditions, this could be either south or north.
· NZDF continue to manage staged convoys along SH 6.
· Police and NZDF will continue to facilitate any evacuations that may occur.
· The number of properties in the prepare-to-evacuate zone is estimated at 170 houses, affecting approximately 450 people.
· If you self-evacuate, please register with Civil Defence or call the Council on 03 543 8400, or visit the Centre at Saxton Stadium.
6.35pm - Desperation is rising among the 2500 forced from their homes by the Tasman bushfire with community meetings held today to let residents know what's going on, as Lisa Davis reports in the story below.
Community meetings were held today to let residents know what's going on.
6:20pm - So far, helicopters have dumped half-a-million litres of foam and water on the Tasman fire today.
5.35pm - Residents in the Wai-iti area are advised to prepare to evacuate. Civil Defence Controller Roger Ball says this is a precautionary measure, which allows residents time to plan for an orderly departure should it become necessary because of the progress of the fire.
People have been urged to register after evacuating their homes as a result of the Tasman fire.
There is advice for people who may need to evacuate here while people with animals may want to consider moving these proactively.
Large animals of all types can be taken to the Richmond Showgrounds. Horses, sheep and goats can be accommodated in empty stables - use the Campground Gate to the Showgrounds and follow the road to the stable blocks.
Anyone who decides to self-evacuate is asked to register with Civil Defence. Please either call 03 543 8400 or go to the Civil Defence centre at Saxton Pavilion in Stoke.
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