Wildfire threat fades in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — About 3,000 people who fled as a wildfire threatened a New Zealand town were allowed to return home Monday as firefighting conditions improved.

Another 400 residents living in valleys near the fire aren’t yet able to return, although officials hope they will be able to soon.

Firefighters say they’ve gained the upper hand over the blaze thanks to favorable weather conditions. The forest fire began nearly a week ago on the South Island and burned 5,700 acres. It burned down one house and prompted evacuations beginning Friday.

Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi said residents who return need to be prepared to evacuate again if conditions change. But he added that he’s hopeful valley residents will also be able to return home soon.

About 190 firefighters, 10 helicopters and two planes were deployed to battle the fire. No significant rainfall is forecast in the area over the next two weeks, and authorities say they expect they will need to keep dampening down hotspots until March.

Authorities believe the fire was started by sparks from farm equipment.

Australia sweltered through its hottest month on record in January and there have been wildfires razing the south and flooding in the tropical north.