Residents in the wider Wakefield area are being asked to prepare to evacuate overnight due to the wildfire escalating near Nelson.
Police and Civil Defence have issued a precautionary warning tonight, telling residents in the area north of State Highway 6, Wakefield between Pigeon Valley and Arnold Lane that they should start gathering essential items such as food, clothing and medication should they need to evacuate.
Authorities are advising people to keep their mobile phones on tonight should emergency services need to contact them.
Meanwhile, Civil Defence are urging people to take precautionary measures around their homes by removing flammable items from their house, dampening dry areas outside the home and keeping all doors and windows shut overnight.
Families evacuated today gathered on a nearby hill to see if the flames would claim their homes this evening. (Source: Other)
Residents are also being advised to bring any house pets inside for the night, charge mobile phones, contact neighbours and friends in the Wakefield area to make sure they're prepared and dial 111 immediately if they spot any fires.
According to RNZ the evacuation could be for about 3000 people due to the number of dwellings or residents in the wider Wakefield area. 1NEWS is yet to confirm this.
If locals feel uncomfortable staying in their homes overnight, they are encouraged to evacuate and register with Civil Defence on 03 354 8400.
Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are present in Wakefield as a precautionary measure.
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