Another 40 properties approved for conditional re-entry
Around 40 additional properties in the fire-affected valleys have today been approved for conditional re-entry from 8am tomorrow (Friday) morning.
Nelson-Tasman Civil Defence Group Controller Roger Ball says there are now only 94 properties remaining evacuated, however returning residents must be prepared to leave their homes if the situation changes.
“We are delighted to be able to return people to another 40 homes across the affected valleys as part of our conditional re-entry programme.
“It is vitally important that all returning residents remain prepared to evacuate at short notice if required,” he says.
“We also ask the public to stay away from all of the recently reopened valley roads for the weekend – re-entry is for residents only. However Wakefield is open for business and visitors are very welcome.”
Mr Ball says residents in Pigeon Valley (excluding Pigeon Valley South), most of Redwood Valley and Teapot Valley remain evacuated.
“While we are working at pace to get people back into their homes, residents from the remaining 94 properties should plan on being away from home until at least the end of this weekend, and possibly longer,” says Mr Ball.
An updated map will be provided on the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management website
The following areas have access changes, effective from 8am on Friday 15 February.
Note: Access is intended for residents only - please do not visit the area unless you are a resident.
Eves Valley Road: Residents up to (and including) the Eves Valley Road sawmill can return for conditional re-entry. This is approximately 10 properties and does not include numbers 209a and 210. Three properties on Waimea Road West - 371,377 and 381 - will also be allowed access.
Golden Hills Road: All 18 properties previously within the cordon area on Golden Hills Road have been cleared for conditional re-entry.
Redwood Valley: The cordon has been moved approximately 500m, allowing eight properties to be re-entered.
Pigeon Valley and Teapot Valley There is no change to access for evacuated residents in Pigeon Valley, part of Redwood Valley and Teapot Valley who are currently on restricted access to their properties (access is between 8am-2pm daily, and 10am – noon for Redwood Valley).
Be prepared to evacuate
The decision to allow residents home does not mean the fire is out, nor is it controlled. There is still an extreme fire risk for the whole region. Be aware that if the evacuation order is given while you are away from home you may not be able to return to collect your possessions. For this reason you may want to keep some items in your vehicle.
Useful items to take include:
- First aid kit and essential medicines
- Essential items for infants or young children such as formula and food, nappies and a favourite toy
- Any special needs such as hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids
- Clothes for 3-5 days
- Food
- Toiletries
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Pets and pet supplies
- Torch and radio with spare batteries.
Include important documents in your getaway kit:
- Identification – birth and marriage certificates, driver’s licences and passports
- Financial documents - e.g. insurance policies and mortgage information
- Precious family photos