Far North fire crews working in windy conditions to extinguish wildfire in Awarua

A helicopter was called in to help Far North firefighters extinguish a blaze, the size of more than four rugby fields, in Awarua on Thursday. Photo / Supplied

A large blaze started by a rubbish fire that burned out of control has ripped through dense bush and scrub in the Far North town of Awarua.

A helicopter has joined firefighters on the ground from the Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade to snuff out the now contained roadside blaze on Otaenga Rd, off State Highway 15.

The last three hours saw more than 4ha of scrub - around the size of four rugby fields - burn in the wildfire since it ignited shortly before 1pm.

The Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade are responding to a large wildfire in Awarua in the Far North. Photo / Supplied

Kaikohe fire chief Bill Hutchinson said the fire was been driven by the 15kmp/h south-westerly winds.

"There's just enough wind to keep the fire ahead of us. It's contained, just not out," he said.

Hutchinson noted the location of the blaze buried in dense vegetation had made access difficult for firefighters and their appliances.

Two water tankers from the Kerikeri and Kawakawa volunteer brigades, plus the Kaikohe Rural Brigade had been dispatched to help.

Senior firefighter and Volunteer Support Officer Corin Stephen, leading the response, said the helicopter was working the flanks of the wildfire.

"It's only burned through scrub land and it's not threatening any forest."

He said the crews had successfully protected two shack-like houses nearby from the blaze, started by a rubbish fire that burned out of control.

The incident was a timely reminder, ahead of summer, for Northlanders to be extra vigilant when lighting fires as there were always risks involved.

Stephen said to make sure people had a water source nearby and to utilise the fire safety website - Checkitsalright.nz.