“A fire investigator is now on site and will work to determine a cause of the fire.”
Police said a man is “assisting police with our inquiries” related to the fire.
A helicopter has also been sent to help fight the fire.
Fenz northern shift manager Josh Pennefather said the first call to the vegetation fire came in at 3.35am.
UPDATE 9:05AM This section of #SH16 north of Helensville remains closed as emergency services continue work to manage this large bush fire. Delay your journey or allow extra time for alternative route via local roads: https://t.co/y3U7KHBYGI ^TP https://t.co/x30duGDeK1
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 10, 2024
On arrival crews found a fire in toetoe and pine trees, measuring around 200m x 100m.
“It is currently uncontained and spreading uphill,” Pennefather said just after 5am.
“There is one house currently at risk and firefighters are working to protect it.”
Six fire trucks, three water tankers and two support vehicles were in attendance.
The fire has spread through one hectare of toe toe and pine trees north of Helensville. Hayden Woodward
At 7am, the fire measured around 1ha, Fenz northern shift manager Hayley Prince said.
Crews were working around the perimeter of the fire to extinguish it. She did not have an update on the house threatened by the flames.
A Herald photographer said the flames were “engulfing large trees”. As of 6am smoke was blanketing the area and visibility was very low.
“The whole road’s absolutely covered in smoke.”
Police said they were also called to the scene at 3.35am and are looking into the “circumstances” of the fire.
If anyone has information on the fire, and have not yet spoken to police, please contact us via the 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
The fire was spreading uphill opposite the Mt Rex sand dredging facility. Hayden Woodward
SH16 closed, long delays for commuters
State Highway 16 was closed north of Helensville between Inland Rd and Pipitiwai Drive until further notice, NZTA Waka Kotahi said. Commuters were warned to delay their journey or follow directions from response crews.
Auckland Transport also warned of delays as buses would have to be detoured around the fire.
A logging truck that had attempted to turn around at Pipitiwai Drive had broken down which was further blocking the road, the Herald photographer said.
Due to an emergency services incident on Kaipara Coast Highway between Pipitiwai Drive & Peak Road, expect delays as bus services detour. Check Live Departures and Passenger Information Displays for up-to-date information. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/b3IkCuFoKW
— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) April 10, 2024
Sixty firefighters battle scrub fire in Hurunui
Meanwhile, a large vegetation fire in the Hurunui District in north Canterbury has been contained this morning.
The blaze was first reported as a hedge fire in Masons Flat around 12.50am, Fire and Emergency NZ southern shift manager Amanda Ensor said.
Crews from Hawarden, Waikari and Hurunui were sent to the fire but raised it to a second alarm while they were en route, and called for backup from rural brigades.
On arrival they found 30-40ha on fire.
Some 60 personnel from all over North Canterbury battled the fire, with four pumps, nine tankers and two rural fire appliances as well as command and support units and heavy machinery.
