Pigeon Valley Fire Update 69: Shifting winds a concern on fire ground
As always, we’ve got an eagle eye on the weather. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) reports that strong winds about 2am forced them to call a halt to overnight drone flights to identify hot spots.
Conditions today look like they could be challenging, with little relief in the form of rain. There’s just 1mm forecast, along with sustained south-west winds of 10-15km/h with some strong gusts predicted. The wind may turn north-east this afternoon.
Humidity levels are also expected to drop as low as 35%. Lower humidity increases fire activity.
FENZ is aware that the region is very dry. They are monitoring the overall situation and have crews on standby to deal with any new fires if they occur.
Because of the increased risk posed by the wind, Police have officers checking on properties in Sunrise Valley to make sure we know who's there and that we've got their correct contact details in case the situation takes a turn for the worse.
Clean-up crew ready to help
The Nelson fire clean-up crew will be at the Wakefield Village Hall from 10am to 3pm tomorrow (Sunday 24 February). Drop in if there are any tasks you need help with as a result of the Pigeon Valley fire. If you are not able to come to the meeting, you can send an email to nelsonfcc@outlook.com or head online to nelsonfcc.wixsite.com/home where you'll find more information. You can also give them a call on 0274 2CLEAN or 027 422 5326.
They'll be coordinating clean-up tasks over the coming weeks.
Civil Defence Centre open over the weekend
It may be the weekend but the Civil Defence Centre at New Life Church, 85 Wensley Road in Richmond is still open.
If you were affected by the Pigeon Valley fire and would like to know where you can get support, pop in from 10am to 4pm this Saturday and Sunday and we’ll put you in touch with the services you need.
A decision will be made next week about whether to keep the centre open for longer.
Agencies able to provide food
The wonderful volunteers at the Nelson Suburbs Football Club closed up shop yesterday, and we thank them for their efforts. If you need food assistance, you can contact one of the agencies listed on the Nelson Community Food Bank website for a referral: https://www.nelsoncommunityfoodbank.org.nz/
Red Cross, Rural Support Trust visit properties
Over the weekend Pigeon Valley residents may receive a visit from Red Cross and Rural Support Trust to check on your wellbeing and to see whether you need any help or support. By noon on Saturday, they'd already been to 28 properties. Remember that the Government Helpline is also available if you need support (0800 779 997).