KEY POINTS:
A large scrub fire that forced the evacuation of about 100 properties near Nelson yesterday is believed to have been sparked by a grass mulcher.
Nine helicopters and 11 fire crews battled the blaze in the Dodson Valley, near suburban Atawhai, which burned through between 60 and 100 hectares before brought under control.
Residents were given the all clear to return home about 9.30pm.
Investigators were examining the cause, but it was believed to have been sparked by a digger with a mulcher on it, principal fire officer for the Waimea rural committee Neil Eder said.
"We believe it was a mulcher doing some mowing," he said.
"Early indications are that probably caused the fire ... by causing a spark by hitting something, possibly wire."
Firefighters were dampening down hot spots in the area to prevent any flare-ups, but Mr Eder said the fire had died right down.
"We're pretty confident at this stage we have it contained," he said.
"We've got a lot of mopping up to do, but there's no fire spreading at this stage and nothing being threatened."
Mr Eder said the weather forecast looked to be in their favour, with rain and reasonably calm conditions predicted.
All things going to plan, the fire was expected to be completely out in about three days, Mr Eder said.
- NZPA
