Assistant commander Corey Matchitt said about 50 firefighters were working on the flanks of the fire to establish containment lines, with helicopters attacking the head of the fire.
A section of Mangakahia Rd, State Highway 15, has reopened after being closed by emergency services but people are asked to stay away from the area.
“Firefighting will be continuing through the night and fresh crews will be on-site tomorrow, supported by heavy machinery and helicopters,” Matchitt said.
He said a fire investigation was under way and initial indications suggested the blaze was caused by sparks from a grinder.
“If that cause is confirmed, it will be the second fire in Northland in three days to have been ignited by grinders.”
The fire was initially measured at 2ha but has since grown to 11ha.
Police said they were on-site managing traffic and the road on either side of Tokawhero Rd is closed.
According to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, SH15 was closed 2km south of Tokawhero Rd and delays were expected.
Earlier this week another Northland fire, in the Waipoua River area in Kaipara, was brought under control just in time.
Residents were evacuated last Wednesday as flames reportedly came within metres of homes within the settlement.
A prohibited fire season is in effect for the Muriwhenua, Hokianga, Ripiro and Paparoa areas of Northland.
No outdoor fires are allowed and all permits are revoked.
Meanwhile, the rest of Northland is under a restricted fire season, meaning anyone wanting to light a fire needs to apply for a permit through checkitsalright.nz.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
