Rising winds forecast for the Nelson region are a concern to Civil Defence, who are welcoming more resources to manage the ongoing blaze.
Dennis Bush-King, Tasman Civil Defence Controller. told TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning that there is still a lot to be concerned about.
“The weather forecast is not good. The winds are going to pick up later in the day and that may change the direction of the fire,” he says.
Liam Richards captured this vision from Hope last night, as fears grew the fire was getting worse
An emergency mobile update was issued to Wakefield residents last night warning them to be on evacuation standby and although that was not required, Mr Bush-King says winds may return to the Wakefield area today.
“For that reason we actually have closed the Wakefield school and two early childhood centres this morning just to avoid any congestion on the roads if in fact the winds do change direction,” he said.
Families evacuated today gathered on a nearby hill to see if the flames would claim their homes this evening.
He said more resources would be deployed to handle the situation as the fire enters its fourth day.
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