Cottage destroyed in blaze
A home destroyed in the Nelson inferno was a small cottage in the once sought-after neighbourhood of Redwood Valley.
The devastating forest fire, which began in Pigeon Valley about 30 kilometres south of Nelson on Tuesday afternoon, has since engulfed some 2000 hectares.
About 180 homes have been evacuated, and one has been confirmed as destroyed.
The owner of the Redwood Valley home is understood to be devastated.
The neighbourhood where his home once stood was known for its semi-rural lifestyle blocks and beautiful views.
The modest home, now destroyed, sits in the grounds of a much larger home, seemingly unscathed by the flames.
It was photographed by visual journalists escorted behind the cordons and into the fire zone by Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff.
It is also visible from the air.
Like several homes in the area – many valued at more than $1 million – it has an inground pool, now drained by firefighting helicopter pilots filling monsoon buckets.
The fact most have survived has been described as a ‘‘miracle’’ with many thanking the heroic efforts of firefighters who battled not only to contain the blaze but to protect life and property.
Golden Hills Rd resident Duncan Thomson was one who watched in horror as the fire appeared to swallow up the hills in front of him. When a gust of wind pushed the fire toward forest and homes in Redwood Valley on Tuesday night he said it was ‘‘such a sad moment’’.
‘‘It’s an incredible miracle the houses in the valley survived. That’s the only way to describe it, is a miracle.’’
Redwood Valley resident Cameron Strange was among those evacuated on Tuesday night along with his pregnant wife, eight dogs, a rabbit and one cat, while fellow evacuee Roger Harman left when wife Linda insisted, taking their vehicles, photos, some paperwork and cash.