Civil Defence
Cause of Tasman chopper crash investigated
Air investigators are looking into why a helicopter crashed while fighting the fire in Tasman. The pilot had a lucky escape and only suffered minor injuries. Trevor Mitchell is a Fire and Emergency… Audio
Pilot recovers after Tasman fires chopper crash
A pilot is recovering after crashing his helicopter while fighting the Tasman fire on Sunday afternoon. The chopper, which was carrying a monsoon bucket, had what is called a "hard landing" just… Audio
Media big and small step up to keep fires covered
The Nelson Tasman fires were a major challenge for the big media outlets to cover with no idea how bad it would get or how long they would last. Local media also played a crucial role too - including… Audio
Fighting Nature's Fury - The Tasman Fires
Insight - As the battle against the Tasman fires continues, Alex Ashton reflects on the emergency response and questions whether New Zealand is ready for a future where fires like this could become… Video, Audio
Nelson fire: Just 94 properties inaccessible over weekend
Residents of about 40 more properties in the fire-affected valleys of the Tasman District have been allowed back home this morning, Civil Defence says.
Nelson fire response improved since since Port Hills
Fire and Emergency says it's done a better job at fighting the huge fire in Tasman than it did with the Port Hills blaze in Christchurch two years ago.The 2,000 hectare fire on the hills near… Audio
Jacinda Ardern visits Nelson community in bush fire aftermath
Relentless heat and dry conditions are testing tempers, as hundreds remain out of their homes after the Tasman wildfires.
Further funding support for Nelson after fires
The Minister of Civil Defence will seek another $100,000 funding and the Minister of Agriculture has announced a further $50,000 for people affected by the Tasman fires.
South Pigeon Valley residents may be home tomorrow morning
Home owners at the southern end of Pigeon Valley will be allowed home from 8am, if conditions allow, Civil Defence controller Roger Ball says.
Fire evacuees desperate to return home
The battle to bring the Tasman wildfire under control is entering its ninth night tonight - and residents evacuated from around 200 nearby properties are no closer to knowing when they'll be heading… Audio
'The fire is telling us it's still the boss'
Another fire broke out last night in the Nelson region, and while it was quickly dealt with, Fire and Emergency says it shows there's still a lot of work to do to contain the fire.
Nelson fire: Businesses count costs after evacuations
Wakefield business owners are counting the costs after the Nelson -Tasman fire forced them to evacuate and shut up shop. Three thousand residents were told to leave the area on Friday after a large… Audio
Firefighter hospitalised due to dehydration
Hundreds of people in Nelson-Tasman are spending another night out of their homes as an evacuation notice remains in place as firefighters battle the blaze. Reporter Nita Blake-Persen joins Checkpoint… Audio
Tasman State of Emergency extended for another week
Firefighters are expecting to be battling the Nelson-Tasman fire for weeks to come, while businesses and farmers in the area are counting the cost. Nita Blake-Persen reports from Tasman, where the… Video, Audio
Nelson fire: From open flame to underground
Authorities dealing with the Tasman fire have just given their first media briefing of the day. Chief reporter Sharon Brettkelly is there. She talks to Susie Ferguson. Audio
Nelson fire: Wakefield locals back home, but wary
Wakefield residents have spent a night back in their own beds after being allowed to return home yesterday afternoon. But they have been warned to remain ready to evacuate - for days, if not weeks… Audio
Nelson fire: Dampening hot spots 'a long slog'
There's been some light rain in Nelson overnight but so far not on the Tasman fire that has now been burning eight days. About 2,500 residents of Wakefield in Tasman were able to return to their homes… Audio
Nelson fire: Wakefield residents return home
Life can start returning to normal for the two-and-a-half thousand residents of Wakefield after their town was declared safe for now from nearby forest fires. They were forced to leave on Friday after… Audio
Nelson fire: Wakefield locals head home, with warning
A Wakefield resident who was evacuated from her property for four days, says she wasn't sure if she'd ever make it home. Thousands of people in the area were given the all clear to return to their… Audio
Nelson firefighters to dampen hot spots for weeks
Firefighting crews expect to remain on the ground in Nelson for at least the rest of the month. They say the fire is yet to be contained and while evacuated Wakefield residents were allowed to return… Audio
