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Firefighters battling a large forest fire near Wairoa fear a wind shift could send it towards a beachside settlement.
One hundred firefighters and three helicopters yesterday battled the blaze, which has burnt though 140ha of pine and scrub and damaged eight buildings near Mahia Beach, 50km east of Wairoa, since it started at 4pm on Sunday.
Firefighters were hopeful they would have the fire contained by last night, but concerns remained,
Department of Conservation firefighters spokeswoman Jill Hudson said.
"They're quite concerned that there might be a wind shift that would send the fire towards Mahia settlement."
YMCA Rd had been evacuated and would remain closed due to the possibility of hot spots flaring up, she said.
Officers would be working through the night battling the fire and using excavators to help unearth hot spots.
The trees roots in the area meant the fire went quite deep, she said.
The cause of the fire was being investigated.
A satellite survey had confirmed that approximately 140ha had been burnt, Ms Hudson said.
There had been several fires in the area recently, which was dry.
"People need to take great care," she said.
- NZPA
