KEY POINTS:
A large scrub fire near Taupo which was threatening nearby houses is now "basically" under control says a Fire Service spokesman.
Northern communications acting shift manager Mel Barbara said fire fighting efforts at the blaze in Waitahanui, 12km southeast of Taupo, were being scaled down.
There were five fire appliances still at the scene but two trucks and a water tanker had already left, he said.
A helicopter with monsoon buckets used to battle the fire had also left.
Fire trucks were called in from Tokoroa, Turangi and Rotorua to help the Taupo crew.
Mr Barbara said he believed the fire was 50m by 50m and had engulfed a shed but had not damaged nearby homes.
He said a large excavator, "like a big tractor", was on its way to the site "probably to turn over the ground".
The Fire Service would be on the scene for "quite awhile" dampening down hot spots.
- NZPA
