Warning as winds pick up for fire season

The fire was fanned by strong winds as two helicopters worked to control the blaze. Photo/Supplied

A team of firefighters remained at the scene of a scrub fire in the Far North that forced the closure of Kaitaia airport, sparking a warning to take care with fires as a dry summer approaches.

The blaze was fanned by strong winds and the fire quickly spread after it ignited just before noon on Wednesday in Quarry Rd.

How the fire started is being investigated but senior fire officials are warning as the summer approaches more care is needed when lighting fires because conditions are already starting to dry out.

Yesterdaythe area of scrub near the airport runway was being monitored by firefighters who had stayed at the scene the previous night to wet down hotspots.

Senior fire officer Colin Kitchen said the speed at which the fire had been fanned after ignition had made it too dangerous for about 30 firefighters called to the scene, so two helicopters were called to douse the bulk of the fire before the crews started work.

"We had two choppers working and the wind was up for them too. It took a big effort by them to get it under control."

Along with the two helicopters there were four fire appliances, four tankers and 30 firefighters and support staff at the blaze.

Northland deputy principal rural fire officer Lance Johnston urged caution when lighting fires because windy conditions were being forecast for another month and while there was rain forecast, that would soon dry out.

He said farmers at this time of the year were having controlled burns which was the right time of the year.

"People have to be vigilant and watch the wind and make sure there is no combustible material around," Mr Johnston said.

That advice also applied to those letting off fireworks for Guy Fawkes.

He said conditions would be closely monitored and if it dried out too much fire restrictions would be put in place.