Wildfires the size of the Nelson blaze that has destroyed homes and forced widespread evacuations are relatively rare in New Zealand, but conditions have provided a perfect storm. These elements combined can spread an out of control fire – and conditions in Nelson's Pigeon Valley have been perfect. MARLEY MCLEAY/SUPPLIED The fire casts an orange glow as it burns across Pigeon Valley in Nelson. BRYRE ARNOTT/SUPPLIED The Nelson bush fire, which started in Pigeon Valley, grew to about 1870 hectares by Wednesday morning. JOSEPH JOHNSON/STUFF The 2017 Port Hills fires, which destroyed several homes, highlighted the danger to urban-fringe residents.

Source: Stuff February 06, 2019 01:13 UTC