10 Feb 2010

Scrub fires in Northland region contained

10:18 pm on 10 February 2010

The Fire Service says two scrub fires in Northland and the Far North have been brought under control.

The fires began about midday on Wednesday.

Kaipara District Council says the fire near Kelly's Beach, south-east of Dargaville, has burnt through nearly 10 hectares of pine plantation.

Fiona Vessey, the council's infrastructure assets manager, says four helicopters were used to fight the blaze and ground crews will remain at the scene overnight to attack any hot spots.

Ms Vessey says the fire is no longer endangering property.

Meanwhile, the Fire Service says a blaze that engulfed about 100 hectares of scrub and peat near the Far North settlement of Kaimaumau is under control.

Ground crews will remain at the site overnight in case of any flare-ups.