Media Update no.6 Pigeon Valley Fire
Map of the fire area as at 2pm on 6 February
Moturoa/Rabbit Island new fire event
An additional fire at Moturoa/Rabbit Island is confirmed and people are asked to leave this area and Rough Island immediately. Ground crews and helicopters are currently responding to this fire.
Pigeon Valley Fire update:
We expect it to be two to three days before people can go back into their homes, so ask for your patience while we make sure that everyone is safe.
Avoid fire zone
Please stay away from the fire area – we’re had reports that onlookers are blocking roads and smoking on the sides of roads while watching the fire. Please don’t drive up any of the affected roads as you may not be able to turn around and you will hinder the firefighting effort as well as posing a fire risk yourself.
Keep out of the fire area
Closed roads
Confirmed road closures:
- Pigeon Valley Road at fire station to the last driveway before seal n Dovedale (approx. 381 Dovedale Road).
- Moutere Highway from Redwood Rd to Waimea West Road intersection
- Eves Valley Road
- Teapot Road
- Golden Hills Road at Moutere Highway intersection
- Golden Hills Road at Challies Road intersection
- Intersection of Redwood Valley Road and Redwood Valley Lane
- Green Acres Road
- Mailing Road
Offers of Assistance
Thank you for the many offers of help we’ve received for people affected by the Pigeon Valley fire. We have collated offers made so far and will be in touch if we need your assistance.
Please send any furthers offers of assistance, food or accommodation to logistics@nelsontasmancdem.govt.nz rather than posting them on the Facebook page.
Changes to school bus routes
School Bus pickup points are changing.
- Redwood Valley / Redwood Lane, Malling Road & Greenacres Road: The bus will pick up at each of the intersections with the Moutere Highway.
- Teapot Valley and Eves Valley: The bus will pick up at each of the intersections with Waimea West road.
- Pigeon Valley : The bus will pick you up at the Wakefield Village Green.
Pick up times will remain as normal.
Previous update:
Following the Civil Defence declaration at 8am this morning, approximately 170 homes have been evacuated, the latest in the Pigeon Valley South area.
Although the growth of the fire has slowed with the lower temperatures and more moisture in the air this morning, the situation could change quickly if the temperatures and wind climb. Ground crews are in place in the Eves Valley, Redwood Park and Pigeon Valley areas and 16 helicopters are working to protect homes and manage the fire. Bulldozers are also working on containment lines in key areas.
All residents evacuated or self-evacuated are asked to report to the Civil Defence Centre at St John’s Church, Wakefield to register. The Centre can provide welfare information and help with accommodation for those who need it. For those who can’t make it to the centre, please call 03 543 8400 to register by phone.
Residents who evacuate should take essential items such as food, clothing and medication and make provision for livestock and pets. Keep an eye on our Facebook pages to get see updates on the fire, more information on the cordons and if it is safe to return to your home.
Livestock and Pets
Livestock needing to be evacuated due to the Pigeon Valley Fire can be accommodated at the Richmond Showgrounds.
Horses, sheep and goats can be accommodated in empty stables –use the Campground Gate to the Showgrounds and follow the road to the stable blocks. Please leave your name and contact number on the stable door and provide food for your animals. There is water available onsite.
For sheep and cattle – please call the contact centre on 03 543 8400 and we can help make arrangements for you to get access to the racecourse oval to accommodate them.
We continue to encourage people to take their animals with them when they evacuate. Wakefield Civil Defence Centre will take pets.
More information
It is important that we look after each other, and if you have concerns about the well-being of anyone please contact the Tasman District Council Call Centre on 03 543 8400.
Updates will be available on the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence facebook page, both Nelson City and Tasman District Council facebook pages and websites, and through BrianFm radio at 105.6 FM.