Fireworks blamed for Northland campground blaze

Fire quickly spread through the gorse and dry undergrowth just north of Uretiti campground.

Fireworks are believed to have sparked a blaze which ripped through scrub close to a Northland campground.

At its peak about 25 people were involved in trying to contain the blaze that covered 500sqm near Uretiti Beach Department of Conservation campsite on Sunday.

Ruakaka volunteer firefighter station officer Jeff D'Ath said crews were called about 6.50pm and he was in the first appliance that arrived.

"Initially we got called to smoke in scrub. But as we got out on to the highway and I saw the smoke I knew it was bigger than usual," Mr D'Ath said.

Another Ruakaka unit and the team from Waipu were called in to help.

Volunteers from Maungakaramea responded and a water tanker from Marsden Point was used.

Mr D'Ath said battling through thick gorse made it difficult for crews on the ground to keep up with the spreading fire so a helicopter was called in to help.

Scooping up water from the ocean, the helicopter crew managed to contain the fire in the blustery windy conditions.

Fortunately the wind was blowing away from the campground.

Mr D'Ath said the fire was an indicator conditions were starting to dry up with the warmer weather.

"That fire had no trouble getting out of control. It was catching and spreading real quick.

"People think because there is greenery around everything is moist and safe. It's not that way at all," Mr D'Ath said.

DoC community ranger Abi Monteith said a crew remained on site overnight to ensure there were no flare-ups.

She said campers had reported hearing and seeing fireworks and when firefighters responded they discovered the remains of fireworks at the day visitor access point.

Campers also reported seeing two vehicles leaving quickly after the fireworks were seen.

"It was lucky the wind was blowing away from the camp."