Scrub fire at holiday resort

By Ann Newbery

A major scrub fire last night came close to homes and caused widespread surface damage in the popular summer holiday resort of Mangawhai, north of Auckland.

Emergency services were called just after 10pm after locals reported a scrub fire 180m north of the Mangawhai Surf Club. The blaze may have been started by fireworks.

Initial fears were that the blaze had the potential to threaten houses and a new subdivision.

Eight fire trucks, two helicopters and a command unit were sent to the scene. Late last night it appeared the blaze was under control.

Fire brigades had been waiting on monsoon buckets, which by 11pm were dousing the area with salt water.

People living a considerable distance away from the scene had reported large flames and a strong smell of smoke.

Roy Vaughan, a resident of Mangawhai Village, said there was a glow in the sky. Scrub near the scene had caught fire there several times in past years, he said.

The area was near a new, upmarket gated housing subdivision.

Another local, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the fire was on the ocean side of the hill and was backburning slightly. "You can see it along the head of the ridge. It appears to be heading north," she said.

She lived 1km away. "It's huge," she said.

Volunteer fire brigade officer Martin Davies, who had been at home sick and unable to attend the incident, said brigades from Whangarei and elsewhere had travelled to the scene to fight the fire.

Mr Davies said there were perfect conditions to feed the fire and "there's just enough breeze to spread it".

One source said most locals appeared to have turned up at vantage points to observe the blaze and the firefighters tackling it.

Resident Graham Mackenzie said: "It's the biggest show in town, I can tell you."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY