The fire last night covered around 5ha of pine forestry in steep terrain and had not been contained, with 11 houses evacuated yesterday afternoon as the fire spread. Photo / Fire and Emergency
The fire last night covered around 5ha of pine forestry in steep terrain and had not been contained, with 11 houses evacuated yesterday afternoon as the fire spread. Photo / Fire and Emergency
A significant forest fire, covering about nine hectares, in the Tasman District’s Lee Valley is expected to be fully contained by the end of tomorrow.
Firefighters, seven helicopters and two heavy machinery operators have continued their efforts to extinguish the blaze today in favourable conditions, said incident controller Steve Trigg.
Eleven houses were evacuated yesterday afternoon as the fire spread in pine forestry on steep terrain. There was no reported damage to property, aside from the forest itself.
The fire was expected to be fully contained by the end of tomorrow, but it would take longer to completely extinguish.
In a statement this afternoon, Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) said until the fire was contained, residents that were evacuated yesterday would have managed access to their properties, while continuing to stay in alternative accommodation overnight.
“This will enable them to take care of stock and carry out other essential tasks,” the statement read.
A community hub would be set up by Fenz from tomorrow, where residents could go for information and get support any time of day. The location and opening times would be confirmed later today.
“Once the fire is contained, Fire and Emergency plans to assist residents return to their homes in a restricted capacity, such as lowered speed limits, escorted and resident-only access while fire operations are still under way,” Fenz said.
Trigg and district manager Grant Hayward had met the residents at a community meeting this afternoon to share information about progress on the fireground and the plan for managed access and full return home.
All roadblocks remain in place and people are asked to stay away so emergency services are not delayed in moving in and out of the area.
Fire and Emergency is also asking everyone in the Nelson-Tasman area to be aware of the high fire danger and to avoid any activities that could spark a fire. People in rural areas should also have an evacuation plan in case of wild fire.
Tasman Mayor Tim King earlier said while still not controlled or contained, the fire has been very slow-moving.
“The weather has been really helpful in terms of zero wind and a damp and cool evening overnight.”
King told NZME that Lee Valley terrain can get very steep, which makes it difficult for fire crews.
Fire crews worked through the night to tackle the blaze in Lee Valley. Photo / Tasman Rural Fire
“It’s in the lower foothills immediately behind the township of Brightwater and it’s very steep.
“It’s 5km or so from the nearest township, there are a number of scattered residents in a rural area further up the valley,” he said.
King said his key message to residents was to make sure they get updates through official channels.
“Don’t go and try to have a look and do not fly your drones anywhere near the site because yesterday, they had to ground the helicopters because drones were spotted in the area,” he said.
Seven helicopters will take to the air at daybreak to resume fighting a forest fire in the Lee Valley in the Tasman District. Photo / Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade
Drone warning: ‘Collision could be fatal’
Trigg stressed that private drones must not be flown anywhere near the Lee Valley, to avoid helicopters having to be grounded to avoid the risk of a mid-air collision.
On Wednesday six helicopters were briefly stood down after a drone was spotted flying in the area.
Trigg yesterday said drones were a safety risk to aerial firefighting, as a mid-air collision with a drone could have fatal consequences.
Weather conditions today were expected to be favourable for firefighting, with light southwest winds.
Eleven houses on River Terrace were evacuated yesterday afternoon, with all residents staying elsewhere overnight.
Nelson-Tasman Civil Defence advises that the civil defence centre at the Wanderers’ Clubrooms on Lord Rutherford Drive will reopen at 8am for those who have been evacuated.
