WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) – A helicopter involved in fighting bush fires near the Pigeon Valley of the South Island of New Zealand, crashed at around 3.00 p.m. local time, according to Nelson Tasman Civil Defence sector.
The pilot survived and is receiving medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries, said local Civil Defence controller, Roger Ball.
The crash is believed to occur near Eves Valley Rd, Brightwater. Local fire and emergency sector immediately took actions to rescue the pilot and other crew members.
The fire, started on Feb 5, has covered 2,335 hectares, claiming one cottage and seeing up to 3,000 residents evacuated. Up to 150 firefighters and 22 helicopters have been battling against the blaze.
The fire is described as the largest in the country since 1955, but has been controlled well in recent days.– NNN-AGENCIES
