Please attribute to Inspector Dave Gibson
Police continue to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand as they work at the scene of the large fire which started in Pigeon Valley.
Police are primarily working to evacuate those residents for whom there are safety concerns. Police are working to contact all residents effected.
Anyone else in the immediate fire area who are concerned for their safety should evacuate their property and register at the Civil Defence centre set up at St Johns Anglican Church, 120 Edward Street, Wakefield. Even if you are not intending to stay there for the evening, please register to help us make sure everyone is accounted for.
All other people are asked to avoid the area at all times while emergency services work to manage this incident.
Anyone who has concerns for their immediate safety should call 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre