Tasman District fire recovery

Merv Randle at home which is near where the fire began. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Pigeon Valley forest five months on. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Residents evacuated in the fire attend one of many community meetings in Tasman. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Fire from Merv Randle's place. Photo: Supplied

Ian Reade at the first press conference. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Fire from Merv Randle's place. Photo: Supplied

Charred remains of a forest in Pigeon Valley. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

A police cordon at Teapot Valley. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Merv Randle at the site where the fire began. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Merv's sheep. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Newborn lambs at Merv Randle farm. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Merv's dog Laura enjoys riding front seat. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Mike and Gabrielle Waring show how close the fire came to their house. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Night fire from Merv Randle's place. Photo: Supplied / Merv Randle

Pigeon Valley fire soon after starting. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Principal Rural Fire Officer Ian Reade said the fire could have burned right to the coast. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Residents evacuated in the fire being briefed by Fire and Emergency NZ. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal