Emergency services are working to control hotspot flare-ups in five Tasman valleys before allowing residents conditional re-entry.
The wildfire, which has been burning for more than a week, is now contained but not under control.
- Tasman fire: Firefighter hospitalised, state of emergency extended
- Tasman fire: Residents could be days away from returning home
- Tasman fire: Wakefield residents can re-enter
Civil Defence overnight controller Murray Sinclair says there were two flare-ups on Tuesday night.
"People might think we're being very cautious in our approach, but there's very good reasons for that and we do not want to put anyone in a situation where any harm can come to them."
A state of emergency and total fire ban are still in place.
Forestry workers are hoping for the green light to return to work as the fires start to die down.
Nelson Forestry Limited voluntarily shut its operations on Thursday. Contractor Noel Gallot says it's been a financial hit for employees.
"There's been a few on Facebook asking about where to get the grants and things like that."
Mr Gallot says the temporary stop to work will have a flow on effect for the entire region.
- Tasman fire: Evacuated Wakefield residents could return home
- Tasman fire: Farmers, contractors warned not to use machinery
Meanwhile, a helicopter pilot who helped fight the Port Hills fire and the Tasman blaze is praising officials.
Today marks the two-year anniversary of the Port Hills event, which claimed one life and destroyed nine homes and 1600 hectares of land.
Alan Beck has noticed a big difference in the way the two fires have been handled.
"[Fire and Emergency New Zealand], they've matured, and all the pilots I spoke to commented 'wow this is a hell of a lot better than what we've seen in the past.'"
The Port Hills fire took 66 days to extinguish.
Newshub.
