An investigation into the Pigeon Valley forest fire has found a perfect storm of conditions were at play allowing the fire to cause widespread damage.
The fire in the Tasman district was started on 5th February by sparks from machinery in a dry, stony paddock which ignited dry grass.
The weather was dry during the six weeks leading up to the fire, and on the day of the fire there were strong winds, and old forestry tree stumps were rotting beneath the ground.
Fire and Emergency's principal rural fire officer for Nelson-Tasman Ian Reade spoke to Corin Dann.
