Large fire tackled near Paihia

Firefighters and Department of Conservation staff were this afternoon working to contain a large scrub fire in the Far North.

About seven appliances and a helicopter were fighting the blaze near Paihia, Fire Service staff said.

"We had between 30 and 40 calls about 11.48am about the fire," a Fire Service northern communications centre spokeswoman said.

"We've even had calls from Kerikeri, which is a good 20km away."

She said the fire was in a forest area on Department of Conservation land in hills near Paihia, between State Highway 11 near Haruru Falls and School Road.

"It's potentially getting near the road, which could mean there may be a need for evacuations."

Initial reports suggested the blaze was started from a car fire but this had yet to be confirmed, the spokeswoman said.

- NZPA