The blaze was endangering a forestry block. Photo / File
An out-of-control scrub fire is burning at Peria, south of Mangonui, in the Far North.
The fire reportedly covered 2ha about 5.30pm, but an hour later had grown to cover 8ha, the Fire Service said in a tweet.
About 30 firefighters were battling the blaze.
Eight fire crews and a helicopter were responding to the blaze on Oruru Rd, near the bowling club, Fire Service northern communication shift manager Paul Raddem said.
Ground crews were fighting the fire from the roadside and would remain at the scene overnight.
Two choppers were using monsoon buckets to dump water on the blaze.
The Fire Service was called about 4.40pm.
It was unclear whether the nearby bowling club was in danger, but Raddem confirmed a forestry block was at risk.
The cause of the blaze was unclear, Raddem said, but there was nothing to suggest it was suspicious.
Conditions in the area had been "very dry and very windy" today.
The 19-year-old was found in a remote area in the hills of Upper Hutt.