Civil Defence
Nelson fire update
The huge fire in the Nelson/Tasman region continues to burn out of control, destroying a house and a farm building Audio
Ashen skies in Wakefield: 'Yesterday it was very thick'
Residents of Wakefield are ready to leave their homes at a moments notice say ash and pine needles have been falling from the sky for days.
Little rain relief and winds to pick up as Nelson fire rages
Winds with the potential to flare up the huge forest fire near Nelson are expected to increase over the weekend, and despite a humidity increase there's little sign of rain on the tinder-dry hills in…
Extreme volatility of Tasman district fire
The massive fire in the Tasman district is volatile and growing with wind change potentially threatening homes. Light winds are forecast today but conditions are tinder-dry and the risk remains… Audio
Fire breaks out in Ahipara
Fire crews and helicopters are battling a blaze in Ahipara, near Kaitaia. Fire and Emergency was alerted to the five hectare blaze about one thirty this morning. It says four houses have been… Audio
Nelson fire grows to 2000ha
Back to the bushfires in the Tasman District which are still volatile, with homes coming under threat when the wind changes. Authorities have just given a briefing. Alex Ashton is there. Audio
Nelson fire: Wakefield school closes as ash falls
Civil Defence has told Wakefield School in the Tasman District to close today. Principal Peter Verstappen told Morning Report's Alex Ashton the town is still waiting for a call to evacuate. Audio
Nelson fire: Tough night in Teapot Valley
After dark in Teapot Valley, where the fire has spread, helicopters fighting the flames had to stop flying and the fire was left to its own devices. Dorje Strang farms in the valley and while his… Audio
Nelson fire still not fully controlled - Civil Defence
Dennis Bush-King is the Nelson Tasman civil defence controller. He joins Gyles Beckford with an update. Audio
Nelson fire: Teapot Valley locals flee blaze
It's been an anxious night for people living in Teapot Valley near the big Nelson fire. There've been no forced evacuations but residents were told last night to be ready to go at short notice. Many… Audio
Nelson fire: Concentration a challenge for chopper pilots
Twenty-two helicopters are fighting the fire, dropping monsoon bucket after monsoon bucket of water on flare-ups and controlling the expanding perimeter. Two of those pilots, Alan and David Beck, have… Audio
Nelson fire: Orchards ploughed to make fire-breaks
Tasman's deputy mayor says the flow-on effects of the large forest fire are beginning to show. Residents in parts of Wakefield, south of Richmond, have been on alert through the night in case the need… Audio
Nelson fire: Tasman mayor describes scene on Friday
A Civil Defence Emergency is still in place for Tasman. So far only one home has been confirmed to be destroyed but Fire Emergency New Zealand says they haven't been able to assess the damage in… Audio
Nelson fire: Wind, low humidity a challenge for firefighters
Residents in parts of Wakefield near Nelson have been on alert through the night in case they need to evacuate as the bushfire continues to rage into its fourth day. The warning to prepare to leave… Audio
Weather: Heatwave set scene for Nelson fire
Low rainfall, high sunshine hours, a heatwave and widespread dry conditions have been described as perfect conditions for a fire in Nelson which has burned for the last three days. This week NIWA… Audio
Nelson fire: Thick smoke covers Wakefield
Police and emergency services have been on the streets of Wakefield overnight, ready to call for an evacuation if the fire threatens homes. Residents in some parts were told to prepare to leave and to… Audio
Nelson fire: Anxious night for Wakefield residents
Wakefield residents between Pigeon Valley and Arnold Lane have been on standby overnight in case they were told to evacuate. Video
Nelson fire: Teapot Valley farmer stays behind
Dozens of people have been evacuated from Teapot Valley southwest of Nelson after a flare-up in the fire late on Thursday afternoon. But Dorje Strang who farms in the valley is determined to stay. His… Audio
Nelson fire: Wakefield waits out anxious night
Residents in parts of Wakefield near Nelson have been on alert through the night in case the need to evacuate. The warning to prepare to leave went out late last evening to people living between… Audio
Tasman farmers warned severe drought likely
The fire affecting Nelson comes on the heels of a long, hot and dry spell in the region. Farmers in the area are being told to make preparations, amid growing concerns a severe drought is likely… Audio