Houses evacuated as forest fire near Nelson spreads across 120 hectares in strong winds

Half a dozen households are being evacuated due to an uncontained forest fire near Wakefield, south of Nelson.

Four helicopters are in the air, with another two about to join the effort to fight the fire which is being fanned by strong winds.

It's likely the fire on Pigeon Valley Road will burn for days. Emergency services were called to the scene at 2.15pm today.

It's currently covering 120 hectares and is growing in a northeasterly direction in dry hot conditions and strong winds, the Tasman-Marlborough Fire Area said in a Facebook update at 5.45pm. 

Residents of Eves Valley and the Eves Valley Saw Mill have been advised to evacuate, it said.

An Civil Defence evacuation centre has been set up at St Johns Hall in Edward St.

Teapot Valley residents are advised to get themselves ready for evacuation if the need arises as there will not be much time, the brigade said.

If there is a need for evacuation those houses affected will be contacted by Fire and Emergency and or police, it said.

Currently Pigeon Valley Road from the South Branch turnoff is closed as is Dovedale Road from Brandy Creek. Access will only be allowed for emergency vehicles.

Video shows the fire across a hillside, with helicopters dousing flames and smoke rising.

Fire crews from Brightwater, Wakefield and Appleby are on site along with the Nelson command unit.

Fire and Emergency NZ Shift Manager Lyn Crosson says there is a lot of smoke drift, and people should stay away from Wakefield.

The fire is being attended by all local units of Fire and Emergency.