Wakefield residents are to be allowed to go home today, effective immediately, civil defence says.
At a briefing this afternoon, civil defence controller Roger Ball said enough progress has been made against the fires threatening the town for the past week to let people back to their properties.
The government has also announced it will provide a further $50,000 to the Mayoral Relief Fund.
Earlier today Fire and Emergency incident controller John Sutton said it felt like they may have turned a corner, and they would know by the time it gets dark tonight whether or not that's so.
He said if the wind didn't get any stronger than forecast, fire crews should be able to control the fire.
The fire has been burning for nearly a week and 3000 people remain evacuated - most from the town of Wakefield.
Watch the latest civil defence briefing here:
Essential information:
- People forcibly or voluntarily evacuating the area are asked to please take water, food, medicines, pets and valuables and asked to register at Saxton Field Stadium, Stoke or ring 03 543 8400.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest information from Tasman Civil Defence on their social page.
- View an interactive map of the area with estimated fire size, closures, evacuation zones. Disclaimer: for official public information see Tasman Civil Defence.
- If evacuation is necessary a text alert will be sent out.
- Nelson City Council has closed reserves and tracks
- Feel in danger? People who feel in danger should call 111. If you or your family and friends in the affected areas need assistance, contact Nelson Tasman Civil Defence. Anyone with a medical, welfare or other need are asked to reach out for support.
- Health and welfare, stress or anxiety: Care for those around you, including neighbours and especially the ill and elderly and those who live alone. For medical help contact your GP first or emergency department for emergencies. Talking can be therapeutic. Further advice from Nelson Marlborough DHB.
- If you want to donate to the Mayoral Relief fund, please use the following details: Tasman District Council, ASB Bank Ltd, Nelson Commercial Banking; account number: 12-3193-0002048-03
- Need to move animals? A centre for the care of horses, cattle, sheep and goats is available at the A&P showgrounds. There is a centre for companion animals like pets at the Civil Defence Centre at St Johns Church
- If you are nearby and safe and would like to share pictures, video, newstips with us, please email it: iwitness@radionz.co.nz
Check this map for basic information, but do not rely on it for accuracy if you are in the area
More of RNZ's coverage of the Nelson fires:
