Several houses have been lost in a Nelson fire overnight and people in more than 100 homes have had to evacuate.
Emergency services were called to the fire about 2.15pm yesterday. It is likely the fire will burn for days.
The last estimate of the size of the fire is about 1870 hectares, with a perimeter of 14km. The Christchurch Port Hills fire in 2017 was just over 2000 hectares.
Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said there were family homes in the middle of the affected area, mainly lifestyle and farming blocks with significant plantation.
"It was just an awful spectacle to see it spread," he said. "It's just been an awful thing to see."
Helicopters and planes would be fighting the blaze today, but it was important firefighters on the ground were not put at risk, Mr Kempthorne said.
The wind was expected to be easing today, so the spread would hopefully be occurring a lot less, he said.
Last night, more than 70 families had registered at the Civil Defence Centre set up at St Johns Anglican Church on Edwards Street in Wakefield and the number is expected to rise.
Tasman-Marlborough Fire Area posted to Facebook, "Redwood valley is ablaze with several houses lost. If you are downwind of this fire be ready to evacuate at a moments notice! Check on your neighbours."
Much of the area had already been evacuated last night, including Eves Valley, Pigeon Valley, Golden Hills Rd in Appleby, Malling Road and Sunset Valley.
In an update early this morning, Tasman-Marlborough Fire Area said people in the Sunrise Valley Road and Deepdale Road vicinity were asked to prepare to evacuate.
Pigeon Valley Fire said on Facebook, "Fanned by southerly winds over most of the night it has caused material damage from Pigeon Valley north to the Inland Moutere Highway and Waimea West Road."
Some people have been forced to leave their homes evacuated due to the fire near Wakefield. (Source: Other)
Fire and Emergency NZ told 1 News fire crew were maintaining a fire watch overnight, with 12 appliances still at the scene.
Twelve new crews taking over will be supported in daylight by at least 10 helicopters and 2 fixed-wing aircraft with heavy machinery on the ground.
Animal Evac New Zealand said people in the Nelson area should follow the advice from FENZ.
"Remember it takes longer than you think to evacuate, especially horses etc. So think ahead, evacuate early, or at least bring your companion animals inside and prepare get away cages/kits in case you do have to evacuate. MPI know we are here to help."
Six helicopters worked on the fire throughout yesterday afternoon and evening and another six are expected today. Fire and Emergency have also requested two fixed wing planes for today as well.
"Strong winds over the afternoon and evening have been fanning the forest, which has led to the fire creating its own extreme fire behaviour," Tasman DC said said in a statement. "Due to this, crews have not been able to access the forest areas and are instead focusing on controlling the fire when it’s spotted onto grassland."
There have been no reported injuries, but if people feel unsafe or unsure in any way they are advised to self-evacuate to the Civil Defence Centre.
People evacuating should register with the Civil Defence Centre at St Johns Church, Edwards St in Wakefield or ring Civil Defence 03 543 7290 to register they have moved and are safe. This is important to ensure everyone is accounted for and safe.
Current weather forecast sees light winds coming from the north, a change from the southerly conditions. While the temperatures will be lower than recently experienced the wind is expected to build from the north as the day progresses.
The weather conditions will be built into the plan for fighting the fire.
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