3,000 flee New Zealand wildfire

SYDNEY: Strong winds yesterday are expected to fan forest fires that have been burning for a week through New Zealand’s South Island, forcing thousands of people from their homes, with more residents expected to flee, officials said. The Pigeon Valley fire covers 2,300ha with a 25km perimeter, NZ Civil Defence said. No deaths have been reported. Up to 3,000 people have been forced to leave the area, NZ Civil Defence Controller Roger Ball said.