Pine forest fire ignites at Putauaki

Smoke from the Mt Putauaki fire seen from Onslow St, Kawerau.

Kawerau residents have been advised to stay clear of Mount Putauaki and a fire burning in the area until further notice.

Ten fire crews and two helicopters have been battling a large fire in a pine forest on Putauaki (Mount Edgecumbe) near Kawerau in Bay of Plenty.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the 100m by 100m vegetation blaze about 2pm.

In a 4.35pm Facebook update, Bay of Plenty Fire and Emergency said the fire was “now fully contained”.

“Our crews will still be working in the area for some time today so please continue to avoid the area around this side of the mountain.”

A 3.40pm update said the fire area was about 100m by 200m.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson earlier told SunLive two fire engines, a rural unit, and a water tanker had initially been sent to the fire.

Residents have been asked to stay clear of the fire until further notice.

Brigades from Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Eastern Bay of Plenty Rotoma were at the scene.

Once on the scene, the crews reported that the fire was located in the pine forest, and a third alarm was activated.

“Now 10 fire trucks and two helicopters are in attendance,” the spokesperson said.

Fire and Emergency had not been informed of any risk to the public.

- SunLive