More evacuations in Wakefield as Tasman fire burns into the night

February 8, 2019

1 NEWS reporter Lisa Davies was with the family.

That concludes 1 NEWS NOWS's live update of the fires in Tasman and Nelson for Friday, February 8.

For the updates from earlier today, please click here.

8.50pm - Here's the lastest on the situation:

Wakefield Evacuations
There are two evacuations currently in place for Wakefield residents.
1. Residents north of SH6 between Pigeon Valley Road and Simmonds Road have been asked to evacuate.
2. Residents in the area bordered by Barton Lane, Higgins Road and Baigent Valley Road have been asked to evacuate.
Around 860 properties have been evacuated from this area.

Remaining residents in Wakefield should be ready to evacuate. People 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. More information at www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz

Pigeon Valley fire
The fire is currently burning, estimated to be 2100ha with a perimeter of 27km. Fire observers in helicopters have been in position over Wakefield. Drones will be doing further assessment and monitoring of the fire line through the smoke.

Community meetings for Saturday
Two meetings will be held on Saturday 9 February:
9am Appleby School
11am Hope Church, 114 Ranzau Road
 

8.14pm -A Fire and Emergency spokesperson has told 1 NEWS a firefighter has suffered minor injuries after fighting the blaze in Nelson city. The firefighter slipped on wet ground and suffered minor burns, and was treated by ambulance at the scene. The Atawhai fire has now been contained. Crews are expected to be working through the night to dampen down hot spots. 

7.32pm -  Civil Defence say Wakefield residents in the area boredered by Barton Lane, Higgins Rd and Baigent Valley Rd are being asked to evacuate now.

The evacuation of residents in Wakefield, north of State Highway 6 between Pigeon Valley Road and Simmonds Road is completed.

"If you are elsewhere in southern Wakefield area, be prepared to evacuate or self-evacuate," Civil Defence say. 

Refer to map here:

7.05pm - Nelson Deputy Mayor Paul Matheson spoke live on TVNZ1's Seven Sharp tonight. He has some advice to those affected by the fire: Listen to official advice; Stay off tracks; Keep talking to each other; Look after your neighbours and friends.

Emergency services are hopeful conditions will be in their favour as they battle Nelson fire

6.45pm -  The monsoon buckets being carried by the helicopters to the fire in Atawhai are making progress, Kaitlin Ruddock has reported.

One street in Atawhai has been evacuated but many residents on other streets have self-evacuated

6.08pm -  The Atawhai fire has flared up again with 1 NEWS reporter Kaitlin Ruddock reporting she's seen flames on the hillside.  

Around 1200 residents from Wakefield, about 30 minutes from Nelson, have left their homes.

5.50pm -  This from Inspector Zane Hooper at the media stand-up. "I’d ask all residents to please go to the Civil Defence website, look at that map, and get a good understanding of where you’re being asked to prepare to evacuate." We'll have that map up in these updates shortly. Also the below is the latest update from Civil Defence.

  • Wakefield residents in the area bordered by Barton Lane, Higgins Road & Baigent Valley Road are being asked to evacuate
  • Evacuation of residents in Wakefield, north of State Highway 6 between Pigeon Valley Road & Simmonds Road is underway.
  • If you are elsewhere in southern Wakefield area, be prepared to evacuate or self-evacuate.
  • People are asked to please take water, food, medicines, pets and valuables.
  • The Civil Defence Centre in Wakefield has been moved to Saxton Field Stadium. Evacuated residents are asked to register,     either by going to the centre or for those who can’t make it to the centre, or don’t need additional assistance please call 03     543 8400 to register by phone.
  • There is an animal response team in the Pigeon Valley area to assist with animal evacuations. If you need somewhere to take     your animals, go to the Richmond Show Ground.
  • There will be road closures as the evacuations take place, more information about these closures will be available on the Civil     Defence website later.
  • 5.45pm -  Reports of a drone at the Walter's Bluff incident. Air Operations have ceased. The Tasman-Marlborough Fire Area have requested that if you know whom this is please ask them to stop.

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