Arson suspected in two more Kaitaia fires

Police and firefighters rushed to two fires near Kaitaia thought to have been deliberately lit yesterday afternoon.

The town has been hit by a number of fires which it is feared may be the work of a serial arsonist.

The fires destroyed 30-40 hectares of reserve land off Kaimaumau Rd, north of Kaitaia.

The fires were brought under control by about 7pm but volunteer firefighters were still checking for hot spots this morning.

The first fire yesterday was spotted at about 4pm and a helicopter and several fire crews from Kaitaia and Pukenui were quick to the scene.

The second smaller blaze was spotted from the helicopter, and police were called to check for suspicious vehicles in the area. That fire was quickly extinguished.

"It's very strange. We will be treating it as suspicious," Northland region volunteer support officer Colin Kitchen said.

Kaitaia police Sergeant Wally Broughton confirmed an officer was investigating the latest fires but also said police were not ruling out natural causes.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)