Whangarei's Quarry Gardens hit by series of fires

Firefighters say someone will know who is responsible for a series of arsons at a former Whangarei quarry which is home to sub-tropical gardens.

The latest of the three fires at the Quarry Gardens in the suburb of Kensington happened last night, and resulted in the temporary closure of State Highway 1.

The Fire Service was alerted just before 9pm and had to combat the blaze by helicopter.

Whangarei chief fire officer Allan Kerrisk said the fire burned through about a hectare of regenerated bush and pine trees at the upper part of the quarry and took about two hours to contain.

He said staff had been put at risk by having to fight the fire in the dark and by air.

He called on anyone with information about the culprit to come forward.

"Someone will know who is lighting the fires," he said.

"We need to get that person help and to stop the fires."

The other incidents happened in the same area on November 19 and December 9.

"Each fire has been spectacular, so could be seen by a lot of people," Mr Kerrisk said.

"In all three, we have been unable to determine any ignition source other than that they have been deliberately lit."

The Quarry Gardens, covering 24 hectares, are maintained by volunteers and feature many sub-tropical plants on the valley floor.

- NZPA