Nelson fire: Essential information

Hundreds of people have been evacuated and a number of homes destroyed as a large fire rages near Nelson.

Here's all the essential information:

• A civil defence emergency has been declared by Nelson and Tasman mayors. It has been described as a "nationally significant event".
• Nelson Tasman Civil Defence is providing updates on Facebook
• More than 100 homes have been evacuated in Eves Valley, Golden Hills Road, Redwood Valley Rd, Mallings Rd and Greenacres Rd. An unknown number have been destroyed. There are no reported injuries or deaths.
• The following areas are on notice for potential evacuation: Sunrise Valley, Deep Dale Road in Upper Moutere and Pigeon Valley.
• If people evacuate and leave their homes it is asked they register with the Civil Defence Centre at St Johns Church, Edwards St in Wakefield or ring Civil Defence [tel:03 5437290 03 5437290] to register they have moved and are safe.
• Fire response: 12 fire crews worked overnight, 10 helicopters and two planes were being used this morning. Firefighters say it could be up to four days before the fire is out.
• Dwindling water supplies are adding to problems faced by firefighters
• People who feel in danger should call 111. If you or your family and friends in the affected areas need assistance, contact Nelson Tasman Civil Defence
• Niwa says there is extreme dryness in the region, following a heatwave last week.
• MetService says no rain is expected in the region today although locals reported light showers this morning with temperatures cooler than in recent days. The wind was expected to pick up this afternoon.
• Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi says more resources are being sent to help battle the fire.
• Incident controller Ian Reade says it's still too dangerous to get into the worst affected areas to check on damage.

More about the fires:

• Live updates: Everything about the fire as we get it
• Fire 'growing all the time': Full report from this morning
• Locals urged to leave homes: Full report from last night

Map:

• Check this map for basic information, but do not rely on it for accuracy if you are in the area