Firefighters will this morning resume trying to extinguish a large forest fire in the Far North.
Fanned by strong winds, the blaze has destroyed about 300 hectares of pine forest near the Hokianga settlement of Horeke.
A Fire Service spokesman said the blaze was much smaller when most firefighters left at dark yesterday, but two crews remained there overnight to monitor the situation.
The fire threatened homes and forced evacuations after a wind shift started driving the flames toward homes.
Helicopters with monsoon buckets are expected to be utilised today.
