Six helicopters assisting firemen with handling a "huge" vegetation fire in Nelson's Lee Valley tonight have been grounded after a robot was seen nearby. A seventh helicopter was remained down before it came to the fireground, Fire and Crisis New Zealand said in an update. "There are three separate areas of fire, spreading uphill into a pine estate."
As of 5.30pm, the fire is assessed to take care of around three hectares and isn't yet held back. Eleven houses on Stream Porch between the Lee Valley Extension over the Wairoa Waterway and Mead Rd have been emptied by police.
Nelson-Tasman Common Safeguard said in a post to its Facebook page that a common protection place has been opened at the Vagabonds' Clubrooms on Ruler Rutherford Dr. "In the event that you have been cleared and need help, the group will be there to help." Fire and Crisis are encouraging individuals to remain well away from the area.
"Individuals in the space are desperately approached to keep away from superfluous travel, especially on Paton Rd, as gridlock is postponing some fire engines from arriving at the fire." Police prior cleared individuals from neighborhood swimming spots and street terminations are set up.