Photo: Supplied via NZ HeraldA massive fire raging near Nelson has destroyed homes and forced dozens of families to evacuate. Fanned by southerly winds over most of the night, the fire has caused material damage from Pigeon Valley north to the Inland Moutere Highway and Waimea West Rd. More than 100 homes have been evacuated or self-evacuated, and people have registered with the Civil Defence Centre in Wakefield. People have been evacuated from Eves Valley, Golden Hills Rd, Redwood Valley Rd, Mallings Rd and Greenacres Rd. If people feel unsafe or unsure in any way they are advised to self-evacuate to the Civil Defence Centre.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 05, 2019 17:48 UTC