Police say two deliberately lit fires this week took away valuable resources from the large fire, now 2300 hectares, which started in Pigeon Valley on Tuesday.
Nelson police are seeking information from the public as they investigate, alongside Fire and Emergency NZ, the sperate blazes. One was sparked on Rabbit Island on Wednesday, and another on Iwa Road at about 2.30pm on Friday.
Both fires were brought under control quickly utilising resources deployed away from fighting the Pigeon Valley fire, police said in a statement today.
The fire on Iwa Road started near the lower end of Iwa Street and spread quickly up the hillside.
"It had the potential to place further lives and properties at risk," the statement said.
Area fire manager Grant Haywood says no arrests have been made over either of the fires near Nelson, saying arson being labelled a cause was speculation.
Police are looking to identify and speak with three males seen on a bench on the Centre of New Zealand track near Iwa Road about 1.30pm on Friday.
They are described as Caucasian and between 16 and 20 years old. Two were believed to be wearing baseball caps and one had fair hair.
This afternoon, police will be visiting properties in the Iwa Road area and neighbouring addresses looking for any witnesses and gathering any information from the public.
Anyone with information, or who witnessed any suspicious behaviour, is asked to ring police on 0800 08 02 09 or leave an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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