"We have managed tocontain the fire and stop it spreading into the bush. We are continuing operations today. The Hakarimata track is not in any danger.
"There will be helicopters and crew working in the area all day and the Hakarimata track is still currently closed to ensure safety so please avoid this area for the time being."
Those living nearby had also been told what was happening, although they were not at risk, they wrote.
An aerial view of the fire near Ngaruawahia. Facebook photo / Ngaruawahia Fire Brigade
Northern Fire Communications shift manager Dallas Ramsay said this morning the fire had been handed over to The Department of Conservation, who monitored the fire overnight.
A fire service crew was at the scene preparing a landing site for a helicopter.
Ngaruawahia residents described the dramatic scene last night.
