Faulty solar panels may have sparked bach blaze

Rural firefighters walk through the remains of a holiday residence, making sure there are no hot spots.

A fault with solar panels may have sparked a fire that destroyed a Far North bach nestled in native bush.

Two helicopters were called to help ground crews who struggled to reach the fire due to rough terrain off Matawherohia Rd, near Kaeo, on Wednesday about 3pm.

After sifting through the charred remains fire safety investigator Craig Bain revealed the most likely cause of the fire was faulty solar panels.

He said a couple from Auckland had a friend turn on the fridge earlier in the week in preparation for their arrival for Christmas and summer holiday. It was a garage that was converted into a holiday accommodation.

"They've had it for a few years now and they were devastated," Mr Bain said.

While the garage was in a beautiful setting the terrain was difficult and native bush and scrub near the garage had fuelled the blaze.

"It's a reminder there should be low flammable vegetation for about 10 metres around your house."

Deputy principal rural fire officer Clinton Lyall said recent windy conditions had dried out the undergrowth and the fire risk was climbing.

"Things are drying up rapidly but luckily there is a bit of humidity which is saving us," Mr Lyall said.

Rural firefighters walk through the remains of a holiday residence, making sure there are no hot spots.

There is a restricted fire season in the Far North which means anyone wanting to light open fires must apply for a permit.

At midnight last night a restricted fire season was put in place for the Whangarei and Kaipara areas meaning the whole of Northland is now under a restricted fire season.

Anyone wanting to apply for a permit should complete a form on Havingafire.org.nz.