As wind gusts of up to 50km/h are expected today in the Tasman district, Fire and Emergency say they are in the "best position we possibly could be to be prepared for this wind event".

Strong gusts are expected to pick up early this afternoon and firefighters will be pulled out south of Nelson if winds go above 50km/h.

About 3000 people have already been evacuated from Wakefield and the Eves, Teapot, Redwood and Pigeon valleys but emergency services have put 400 residents of Wai-iti on notice for possible further evacuations today.

There is a ban on the use of machinery that might strike a spark. Prohibited activities include harrowing, gas cutting, welding and all use of chainsaws and scrub cutters.

Residents with animals on the south side of the cordoned area are advised to join a special livestock convoy to take them to the Richmond showgrounds.

Civil Defence briefs on the latest:

Essential information: People forcibly or voluntarily evacuating the area are asked to please take water, food, medicines, pets and valuables and asked to register at Saxton Field Stadium, Stoke or ring 03 543 8400. Stay up-to-date with the latest information from Tasman Civil Defence on their social page. View an interactive map of the area with estimated fire size, closures, evacuation zones. Disclaimer: for official public information see Tasman Civil Defence. If evacuation is necessary a text alert will be sent out. Nelson City Council has closed reserves and tracks Feel in danger? 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. Anyone with a medical, welfare or other need are asked to reach out for support. Health and welfare, stress or anxiety: Care for those around you, including neighbours and especially the ill and elderly and those who live alone. For medical help contact your GP first or emergency department for emergencies. Talking can be therapeutic. Further advice from Nelson Marlborough DHB. If you want to donate to the Mayoral Relief fund, please use the following details: Tasman District Council, ASB Bank Ltd, Nelson Commercial Banking; account number: 12-3193-0002048-03 Need to move animals? A centre for the care of horses, cattle, sheep and goats is available at the A&P showgrounds. There is a centre for companion animals like pets at the Civil Defence Centre at St Johns Church If you are nearby and safe and would like to share pictures, video, newstips with us, please email it: [email protected]

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

More of RNZ's coverage of the Nelson fires:

Prepare your evacuation packs - mayor Damage to Nelson farms being assessed Residents prepare under ashen skies Water shortage bites, flames to burn all weekend Little rain relief, winds to pick up as fire rages Firefighters in race against the wind Government confirms support var liveblog={load:function(e,t){var a=document,l=a.createElement("script"),o=a.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];return l.type="text/javascript",l.onload=t,l.async=!0,l.src=e,o.parentNode.insertBefore(l,o),l}};liveblog.load("https://rnz.liveblog.pro/lb-rnz/themes_assets/angular/parent-iframe.js?"+parseInt(new Date().getTime()/900000,10),function(){"function"==typeof liveblog.loadCallback&&liveblog.loadCallback()});