Evacuation begins, decision later on whether to return

Patea people have begun evacuating homes because of smoke
from a large fire that has been burning at the disused Patea
freezing works since 1am today.

Civil Defence has been advised that up to 300 people may
need to be evacuated. The fire is still burning.

The South Taranaki District Mayor, Ross Dunlop, says he and
South Taranaki District Council Chief Executive Office Craig
Stevenson visited the site this morning and are impressed
with the efforts of emergency crews.

“The Fire Brigade have been organising an orderly
evacuation of residents who wish to leave. Around 50 people
have been evacuated to the welfare centre at Hicks Park in
Hawera.”

A number have made their own way to the centre, while 30
have travelled on a bus provided by the Taranaki Civil
Defence Emergency Management Group.

“We have had a number of calls of assistance from people
throughout the district which we really appreciate,” says
Mr Dunlop.

“People should register at the welfare centre even if
they are making their own arrangements, so that we have a
record of where those people are.

“It is really disappointing that this has coincided with
the scheduled Waitangi Day Pae Pae celebrations at Patea, as
a great deal of work had been put into this event by the
community.”

The Pae Pae celebrations have been cancelled and visitors
are asked to stay away.

Those evacuating their homes are urged to take an overnight
bag. Those needing bus transport to Hawera should report to
the Patea Fire Station in Egmont St.

Civil Defence is advised that the Fire Service and health
authorities will meet at 6pm today to decide whether it is
safe for evacuated people to return to their homes.

A Civil Defence emergency has not (not) been declared but
Civil Defence is keeping a watching brief.

State Highway 3 through the township is still open but
motorists are advised to wind their windows up and exercise
caution.

Anyone with inquries about the situation can call the
Taranaki Emergency Management Office on 06 758 1110.