Firefighter at blaze south of Kawakawa receives minor injuries

Crews battled a 4ha vegetation fire south of Kawakawa in Northland this afternoon. Photo / NZME

A firefighter has received minor injuries while battling a large vegetation fire south of Kawakawa.

The blaze broke out on a hillside near the Oyster Factory on State Highway 1 about 12.45pm today and which spread across 4ha.

The fire had been fully contained and brought under control by 4pm.

A helicopter was called in to help firefighters from Kawakawa, Paihia, Hikurangi and Kaikohe extinguish the fire.

The injured firefighter was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital.

Fire and Emergency group manager for Northland Denis Cooper said the fire had taken hold due to the wind.

A northeasterly wind was blowing at Kawakawa, with gusts up to 26km/h.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said there was no threat to any buildings in the area.

Speaking generally, Cooper reminded people that Northland was experiencing windy conditions.

“We’re asking people to please not light any backyard or rubbish fires.”

Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.