Choppers help fight two scrub fires near Wairoa, at least one suspicious

Helicopters have helped firefighters battle two scrub fires in northern Hawke’s Bay, with at least one of the blazes deemed suspicious.

The fires happened on Tuesday night near Wairoa and Wednesday morning near Mohaka and have been quelled.

Fire and Emergency NZ received calls about the first blaze off Ngamotu Rd in Wairoa about 6pm on Tuesday.

Multiple fire crews and two helicopters helped get that 20m x 35m scrub fire under control.

No buildings were at risk.

On Wednesday morning about 8am, while fire crews were dampening down hot spots at the initial blaze, firefighters responded to another scrub fire about 30km away in Mohaka.

That blaze off McIvor Rd also required the support of a helicopter.

Again, no buildings were at risk and the 60m x 30m blaze was under control later that morning.

However, a helicopter was still being used just before noon as firefighters remained on site making that area safe.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said the second fire had been “deemed suspicious”.

He said a fire investigator was still assessing the first fire.

Police have been contacted for comment.