Minister of Agriculture says the Nelson fire in better position, but yet to be contained

February 7, 2019

Damian O’Connor told Breakfast the fire has burnt through 1900 hectares and one home.

The Minister of Agriculture says the Tasman fire is in a better position, but has not been contained.

Emergency crews are still battling the blaze that has ravaged parts of rural Tasman.

Damian O’Connor told TVNZ1’s Breakfast it is generally a stable situation.

“A lesser number of houses have been affected so that’s good news and there was no one in the welfare centre last night. Most people have gone to friends and family.”

People are still not allowed back into their homes as it is still unsafe.

Mr O’Connor says, “If the wind was to blow up or change direction their homes are still at risk.”

He says there are 400 people trying to contain the fire.

The fire has burnt through 1900 hectares and one home.  Mr O'Connor says other homes may have some smoke damage and says the fire will have significant impacts long term for the forestry sector.

“We’re not sure of the total impacts but a very significant fire for Tasman, for Nelson and particularly for those people directly involved.”

There is a community meeting today at the Appleby Rural Fire Station at 9am for further updates for residents.

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