Nelson fires: Day three in pictures

At least 182 homes have been confirmed as evacuated as firefighters continue to try and contain the bush fire burning at Pigeon Valley. A Civil Defence emergency was declared by the Nelson and Tasman mayors this morning.

The sun partially disappears behind the black smoke from the Nelson fire. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Smoke fills the area in Pigeon Valley where firefighters will continue to battle the bush fire overnight. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Fourty four firefighters along with five bulldozers, four excavators, and three tankers will be used to suppress any fire from spreading beyond the perimeter. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The wind is expected to pick up with warm temperatures and low humidity tomorrow. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

As the sun sets, firey smoke can be seen from State Highway 6 near Wakefield. RNZ / Maja Burry

The sun dips behind the continuously rising smoke of the Nelson bush fire. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

View of the Nelson fires from above. RNZ / Glen Scanlon

The massive smoke cloud billowing for the out-of-control fire in Nelson. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A father and son walk to their car after being evacuated from Teapot Valley. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Thick smokes appears to be enveloping the area. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Red Cross workers help a woman who was evacuated from Teapot Valley. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A much loved horse was evacuated from Teapot Valley. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Thick smokes appears to be enveloping the area. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Choppers work on putting out the blaze. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A view from afar of how thick the smoke is over Nelson region. Supplied / Paul McIntyre

Cordons at Teapot Valley Road, near the area where an evacuation has been ordered this afternoon. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Cordons at Teapot Valley Road. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

An evacuation was declared for Teapot Valley in the afternoon. RNZ / Ben Strang

View of the billowing smoke from near the emergency operations centre in Richmond. RNZ / Tracy Neal

View of the billowing smoke from the Tasman District Council's office in Richmond. RNZ / Tracy Neal

Huge clouds of smoke still coming off the hills earlier this afternoon. RNZ / Alex Ashton

RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Water bombers refuel before returning to fight Nelson bushfires. RNZ / Simon Rogers

Authorities talked to Nelson residents this morning about what they should do and what assistance is available to them. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Smoke seen among Redwood Valley. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Water bombers refuel before returning to fight Nelson bushfires. RNZ / Simon Rogers

RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern arrived in Nelson at the Emergency Coordination Centre to support efforts to combat the bush fire. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The prime minister in discussion with officials who are supporting residents. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

NZ Red Cross workers were in attendance at the briefing, aiding Nelson residents and evacuees. RNZ / Simon Rogers

Resident meeting with authorities and officials this morning for a briefing on the civil defence emergency that was declared because of the bush fire. RNZ / Simon Rogers

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.

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