Helicopters tackling scrub fire in Tasman’s Lee Valley grounded after drone spotted, 11 houses evacuated

All six helicopters fighting a significant vegetation fire in Tasman’s Lee Valley this evening have been grounded after a drone was sighted in the area.

The fire, which was not yet contained, continues to burn over about five hectares of a pine forestry block.

“Firefighters are unable to continue the firefight using ground attack while the helicopters are grounded because the terrain is too steep and dangerous,” Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) said in a statement shortly before 8pm.

Police were actively seeking the operator of the drone.

Fenz incident controller Steve Trigg said drones were a safety risk to aerial firefighting, as a mid-air collision with a drone could have fatal consequences.

Six helicopters have been assisting ground crews to tackle a vegetation fire in Tasman’s Lee Valley District. Photo / Jon Moir

“The drone sighting has completely impacted helicopter operations. Firefighting efforts are on hold until the safety of air operations can be assured,” Trigg said.

A seventh helicopter was also stood down before it reached the fireground.

Fenz said in an earlier statement there were three separate areas of fire spreading uphill into a pine plantation.

“People in the area are urgently asked to avoid non-essential travel, particularly on Paton Rd, as traffic congestion is delaying some fire trucks from reaching the fire.”

Police are assisting with evacuating people from local swimming spots. Photo / Jon Moir

Eleven houses on River Terrace between the Lee Valley Bridge over the Wairoa River and Mead Rd have been evacuated by police.

Nelson-Tasman Civil Defence has opened a civil defence centre for evacuees at the Wanderers’ Clubrooms on Lord Rutherford Drive.