Photo: NZ HeraldThe town of Wakefield is being evacuated this afternoon after fire chiefs fears that a northerly wind is picking up and the huge Tasman blaze could threaten the town. Kirkby said between the State Highway and the river, the whole area is being evacuated "as we speak". However, there's fears that a northerly wind, which has just started to pick up, will fan the fire as it did yesterday afternoon. This morning, more residents were evacuated from their homes in Pigeon Valley as concerns mount about heavy smoke and the possibility weather conditions could fan the flames. While some residents had earlier been able to stay with their homes, police and other Government agencies were now working to ensure all residents evacuated safely.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 07, 2019 18:23 UTC