Firefighters mop up after battling blaze

Firemen dampen down hot spots yesterday. Photo / John Stone

Strong and unpredictable winds hampered the efforts of 30 fire officers near Mangawhai after a controlled blaze went astray.

The 2ha forest fire off Pacific Road was reported at about 2pm yesterday but was bought under control by four fire appliances and three water tankers an hour later. It was the second substantial blaze in the area in the last month.

Deputy principal rural fire officer for Auckland, Scott Marchant, said it started when forest contractors conducted a burn-off to clear the forest floor.

"It was a controlled burn that got out of control," Mr Marchant said.

"The biggest problem is the wind at the moment which is just unpredictable".

A helicopter was called in but later stood down after initial concerns the fire might jump the gravel road and reach the sand dunes, which was home to endangered birds, about 100m away.

Crews were expected to stay well into the evening to dampen down hot spots, Mr Marchant said. "The longest part of it is not actually containing the fire, it's mopping up."

Two fire appliances from Wellsford plus another two from Mangawhai attended the blaze along with three water tankers.

On November 10 a fire at Mangawhai Heads beach lit by two youths engulfed 5ha of beachfront headland. It was attended by eight fire appliances and two helicopters.