Nelson fire: Wind, low humidity a challenge for firefighters

Residents in parts of Wakefield near Nelson have been on alert through the night in case they need to evacuate as the bushfire continues to rage into its fourth day. The warning to prepare to leave went out late last evening to people living between Pigeon Valley and Arnold Lane near Spring Grove. They have also been asked to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk to property by removing flammable items around their houses and dampen dry areas especially where dry leaves could gather. The wind is expected to pick up today, with warm temperatures and low humidity, adding to the challenge for firefighters. A wind change late yesterday afternoon turned the fire west and threatened homes in Teapot Valley on the eastern edge of the bushfire. Dozens of people from 25 properties had to be evacuated bringing the number of abandoned homes to more than 200. Ben Strang was there as the residents fled.