Region under siege as more fires erupt
Another fire broke out in Nelson City yesterday afternoon – at Walters Bluff track.
At least five helicopters and Nelson fire crews worked to contain the fire, which broke out in the hills above Nelson, about 2.30pm.
The main Nelson bush fire, which began on Tuesday, covers 2000 hectares with an approximate 23-kilometre perimeter.
Firefighters worked overnight to tackle the fire, which intensified on Thursday. The fire’s progression had slowed yesterday morning, the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management said.
However, residents in Pigeon Valley and Wakefield were evacuating their homes due to heavy smoke from the Nelson fire.
Nearly 200 properties have been confirmed evacuated, affecting about 398 residents.
Residents of Pigeon Valley were asked to leave their homes due to the weather conditions and heavy smoke.
Wakefield residents north of State Highway 6 between Pigeon Valley Rd and Simmonds Rd were also asked to evacuate as a precaution due to the wind change.
About 240 residential properties were told to evacuate in Wakefield, with a further 360 properties told to prepare to evacuate. The evacuations in Wakefield would affect about 1200 residents, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence said.
People who evacuate their homes were asked to report to the Civil Defence Centre.
The Civil Defence Centre in Wakefield was moved to Saxton Field Stadium.
‘‘It is likely that the fire will continue to burn over the weekend,’’ said incident controller John Sutton.
The Government announced $50,000 of further funding for those affected by the fire.
The announcement came after a medium-scale adverse event was declared for the Tasman district.
The funding will go towards the Rural Support Trusts and primary industry groups ‘‘to help speed up the recovery of farming and horticultural businesses’’, said Agriculture Minister Damien O’connor.
This announcement comes after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern pledged $20,000 for the community on Thursday.
The initial $20,000 will go to the Mayoral Relief Fund, set up by the Tasman District Council.