12 Jan 2018

Massive Northland blaze contained

12:31 pm on 12 January 2018

A scrub fire in Northland which ripped through 130 hectares of scrub has now been contained.

Helicopters douse a fire in Northland.

Helicopters douse a fire in Northland. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Fire and Emergency said the blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon about 3pm on Wright Road, north-west of Whangarei.

Six helicopters and eight crews from Whangārei and Kaikohe have been fighting the fire

Principal northern rural fire officer Myles Taylor said three helicopters remain on standby.

He said they're keeping a close eye on the area, as warmer weather is forecast for this afternoon.

Earlier, Wright Road resident Graham Wright said the area is dry and scrubby, a perfect recipe for fire.