More homes have been evacuated in the massive fire blazing south-west of Nelson
More homes have been evacuated in the massive fire blazing south-west of Nelson
6 February 2019
It started yesterday afternoon at Pigeon Valley and has spread to 19 hundred hectares.
The Nelson District Council says 170 homes have been evacuated since the Civil Defence state of emergency declaration this morning.
It says the fire growth has slowed - with lower temperatures and more moisture in the air this morning... but that could change quickly if the temperature climbs and winds blow harder.
Ground crews and 16-helicopters are working to protect homes and manage the fire, while bulldozers are working on containment lines.
The council is asking all evacuating residents to report to the Civil Defence Centre at St John's Church in Wakefield.
It says livestock and pets can be kept at the Richmond Showgrounds.
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