Given the decision to extend the state of emergency due to the Nelson fires there will continue to be an increased Police presence in the fire affected areas and communities.

The role of Police is to provide regular patrolling in the affected areas, manage cordons and be prepared and ready to assist with any further evacuations should they be required.

The Wakefield Police Station remains open and will be staffed 24 hours a day through to Friday 15 February at 4pm.

After this the station will return to standard operating hours.

Police officers along with staff from New Zealand Defence and New Zealand Red Cross will be visiting all homes in Wakefield later today and this evening.

The purpose of the visits are to offer reassurance, provide a fact sheet with advice and remind residents of the process for re-evacuation should it be necessary.

Cordons remain in place at Pigeon Valley, Teapot Valley, Eves Valley, Golden Hills, Redwood Hills and Barton Lane West.

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