Recap live coverage Nelson fire: More Wakefield residents told to evacuate

6:04 pm on 8 February 2019

Wakefield residents in the area bordered by Barton Lane, Higgins Road and Baigent Valley Road are being asked to evacuate now as well.

The aftermath of the fire on Walters Bluff.

The aftermath of the fire on Walters Bluff. Photo: Facebook / Tasman-Marlborough Fire Service

Police said 100 households south of Wakefield in addition to those already being evacuated should prepare to leave if asked to.

Police acting area commander Zane Hooper said the notice was a precaution.

SH6 south of Wakefield between Barton's lane and Trass Valley Road will be closed after the current evacuations are finished.

Four helicopters with moonsoon buckets were called in to fight a new blaze which erupted at Walter's Bluff this afternoon. It devoured eucalyptus trees and threatened nearby houses before Nelson firefighters got it under control.

However, residents are reporting that blaze has flared up again.

Meanwhile, the fire burning southwest of Nelson has grown to a total of about 2000ha since Tuesday afternoon, with smoke problems preventing access for firefighters to some of the blaze.

More than 200 properties have been evacuated overall, affecting about 400 residents. One home has been lost and several others damaged by the fire's intense heat. No further structures were lost after one shed about 10pm last night.

Today's evacuations include Pigeon Valley residents and Wakefield residents north of State Highway 6 between Pigeon Valley Road and Simmonds Road. People elsewhere in Wakefield have been told to prepare to leave.

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