A pilot has had a lucky escape after the helicopter he was flying crashed while fighting the Tasman fires this afternoon. A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said the chopper, which was carrying a monsoon bucket, when down just before 3pm. Acting Tasman district commander Inspector Zane Hooper said the chopper was found within the Eves Valley area. He said fire crews were quickly on the scene and the company was now focusing on supporting the pilot. The Tasman fires started nearly two weeks ago after a spark from a tractor ignited tinder dry grass and scrub on Pigeon Valley Hill, about 30km south of Nelson.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2019 04:52 UTC