Police seek witnesses to start of blaze

BY BLAIR ENSOR

A light-coloured ute is being sought in connection with a blaze that forced the evacuation of about 40 residents near Canvastown yesterday.

The fire, which started about 2km west of the township, ripped through about 48 hectares of forestry.

Marlborough South deputy principal fire officer John Foley, who is investigating the cause of the fire, said he wanted to hear from a couple of "young fellas" in the vehicle seen near the scene of the blaze about 10.15pm on Tuesday night. They were not suspects for the blaze, but were seen trying to call emergency services, he said.

"We want to hear what they saw."

About 30 firefighters from the Rai Valley, Havelock and Renwick volunteer fire brigades, the Linkwater Rural Fire Force and the Canvastown Rural Fire Party, battled the blaze, which started at about 10.15pm on Tuesday night.

About 40 residents from 12 homes in Te Hora Pa Rd were evacuated at midnight to nearby Te Hora marae.

At daybreak, five helicopters and three bulldozers were brought in to help. Six water tankers were filled from the Pelorus River.

:Department of Conservation Nelson-Marlborough fire technical support officer Brian Paton said this morning that the fire was under control, but a small crew remained at the scene keeping a close eye on hot spots.

Mr Foley said the cause of the blaze was being investigated by authorities.

He would not rule out the possibility of arson.

He said he was "pretty happy" the fire had not been ignited by an electric fence, but nearby power lines had not been ruled out.

"It's certainly looking suspicious at this stage, but until we finish the investigation, we are not going to be able to totally determine the cause.

"It will take a day or so to narrow it right down."

Pelorus dairy farmer Tom Bryant, who owned the forestry plantation, said the prospect the fire was not an accident infuriated him.

"I'm pissed off. I could explain it in much harsher words."

Mr Bryant, who had lived in the area since 1988, said he had had no problems or arguments with anyone in the area which may have prompted them to torch his trees. "We're one big family up here."

The block of 11-year-old pine trees damaged by the blaze had been planted as part of a retirement plan for his family.

Mr Bryant said he was covered for the cost of fire suppression, but his trees were not insured. He estimated that about $200,000 and a lot of blood, sweat and tears would need to be poured into the trees to get them back to their former glory. "I try to avoid the hard work, but that may change that a wee bit."

Mr Bryant praised the work of authorities who were on the scene quickly and worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control.

"They've stopped it from travelling a lot further."

Anyone with information about the fire or the light-coloured utility is asked to phone Marlborough South deputy principal fire officer John Foley, 03 520 7400.

- The Marlborough Express