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Watch: Helicopters work to douse blaze on Nelson's Rabbit Island

February 6, 2019

The fire in this new location broke out today as crews continue to tackle the Pigeon Valley blaze. (Source: Other)

As fire fighters continue to battle a major blaze covering nearly 2000 hectares in Pigeon Valley near Nelson, a separate fire has broken out on the city's Rabbit Island.

The new fire broke out early this afternoon and eyewitness video provided to 1 NEWS, filmed from the mainland, shows a large plume of smoke billowing from the island.

Read more: Farmland in Redwood Valley left blackend by fire

1 NEWS shot footage of helicopters with moonsoon buckets dousing the Rabbit Island blaze and police cordons in place.

Follow 1 NEWS NOW's live updates of the fire near Nelson

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