KEY POINTS:
A battle to stop a blaze raging over 60ha of forestry land in the Coromandel since yesterday afternoon recommenced at first light this morning.
The fire was reported about 3pm yesterday, in an area of private forestry land on Staircase Rd, in Opoutere, between Whangamata and Pauanui.
Fire communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said high winds of up to 60kph yesterday hampered efforts to get the blaze under control.
The fire was being tackled from the air, with four helicopters used yesterday.
The helicopters retired about 1am, and returned at 6am today.
Mr Phillips said the fire was burning over about 60ha of pine trees, scrub and other vegetation.
The perimeters of the fire were under control, and no property was in danger, he said.
The blaze was visible from State Highway 25, and the township of Pauanui.
- NZPA
