Scrub fire burning west of Auckland

10:09 pm on 5 January 2017

Residents evacuated due to a large scrub fire north of Helensville have been allowed to return home, however the blaze remains out of control.

Six homes were evacuated this afternoon as a precaution due to the smoke.

A helicopter with a monsoon bucket fights a fire at Arthur's Pass.

Two helicopters have been called in to help battle the blaze. Photo: RNZ / Patrick Phelps

Eight trucks were at the scene this evening, down from ten earlier today.

Two helicopters were working earlier but stopped because of poor light.

A fire spokesperson described the area as gentle hill country with pine trees.