Scrub fire forces evacuation

Fire raged through more than 25ha of scrub in the Far North yesterday, forcing evacuation of a home and threatening livestock.

Firefighters from Kaitaia, Mangonui, Karikari, Taupo Bay and Kerikeri, as well as helicopters with monsoon buckets, were called to the blaze in Mangonui, which took hold around 3.30pm.

Initial fears were that the fire could spread to a pine plantation and threaten a house.

The owners of the house were evacuated for safety reasons, but were allowed to return after the fire was brought under control just after nightfall.

At edition time, firefighters had not been able to establish the cause of the fire.

Volunteer support officer Colin Kitchen said the fire started about two or three kilometres south of Mangonui, eventually burning around 25ha of scrub.

"It was really intense," said resident Gina Hook.

"The smoke was billowing through the place and you could smell the burning."

Pam Sparksman and Dale Webber were forced to move their stock and pack their bags as the fire came towards them.

"We had all the stuff packed and ready. I was ready to go if need be," said Mrs Sparksman.

"The flames were about 40 feet [12m] high."