Three helicopters are battling a scrub fire near Kaikohe this afternoon. Photo / NZME
Fire and Emergency crews are currently battling a scrub fire in the Far North in Taheke.
The blaze currently measures 10ha and is 70% contained as of 4.20pm.
Northland District Commander Wipari Henwood said crews were protecting one structure which is threatened by the fire.
“We’re asking people to stay away from the Horeke Road area so our crews can work to contain the fire,” he said.
“If you see smoke, please move away from it, and any affected properties should shut their doors and windows.”
Crews were alerted to the blaze at about 12.45pm and found the fire was spreading quickly.
Two helicopters are currently on the scene alongside eight trucks and a water tanker.
Brigades from Kawakawa, Ōkaihau, Rawene, Tōwai, Whangārei and Kaikohe were among those attending.
Northland is currently under a restricted fire season.
All fire permits have been suspended until further notice and will be reviewed on Sunday.
This means no outdoor fires are allowed.
“The fire danger is increasing in Northland, so please take extreme care with anything that could cause a fire,” Henwood said.
Fire and Emergency Northland group manager Denis Cooper said the region could move into a prohibited fire season if favourable conditions for fires continued.
Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
The former socialite had maintained suppression despite having been in prison since 2022.