A massive blaze in Tasman continues to ravage the district.
And, authorities are scrambling after a second fire has broken out in the region, at Rabbit Island.
The fire in Pigeon Valley started yesterday afternoon but doubled in size overnight, spreading to cover 1870 hectares within a perimeter of 20kms by 3am.
A Civil Defence state of emergency has been declared.
Sources have told the Herald the fire's thought to have been sparked by a farmer ploughing his field.
The Nelson District Council says 170 homes have been evacuated near Pigeon Valley
Further evacuations are now taking place near Rabbit Island.
There have been no reports of injury.
However, there have been some animal welfare issues and at least 13 animals have had to be euthanised.
Also today, hundreds have gathered at Waitangi today to mark the 179th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

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