The Pigeon Valley Fire in February 2019 was NZ's largest forest fire. It covered over 2340 ha of production forest, farms, and lifestyle blocks, had a perimeter of 35km, damaged over 50 properties, and involved the evacuation of 3500 residents for several days. 

The emergency response lasted for three weeks.  During the event, activities with potentially significant environmental impacts were being undertaken. These included extensive earthworks as 60m wide fire breaks were created around the permieter of the fire; vast areas of ash and sediment became potentially mobilised in the headwaters of catchments; and water abstraction for firefighting from rivers and dams exacerbated impacts from the severe drought Tasman was experiencing.
 

Were there planning factors that helped or hindered the fire and emergency response? Local planners involved in the response reflect on planning provisions for managing wild fire risks, and whether these approaches were adequate or appropriate in the context of the Pigeon Valley fire.  We draw on key messages about fire science and explore how planning may need to evolve as wild fire risks increase with climate change.