Firefighters still on site of Northland scrub fire caused by a rubbish fire

Firefighters were yesterday still working to make sure a massive blaze that burnt 132ha of Northland scrub last week did not flare up again. Photo / Michael Cunningham

An investigation into what sparked a fire that ripped through 132ha of Northland scrub has identified it as a rubbish fire that quickly got out of control.

About 20 firefighters yesterday continued the arduous task of walking through the charred landscape ensuring all the hot spots were extinguished after the fire broke out last Thursday afternoon in scrub off Wright Rd.

Initially six helicopter crews and 60 fire and emergency staff battled the blaze which a local resident described as a glowing "Great Wall of China" as it blazed overnight on Friday. Fire perimeters were bulldozed and the fire was contained by mid-morning Friday.

Northland deputy principal rural fire officer Lance Johnston said about 20 staff remained yesterday and that would be reduced today to about four who would monitor the site.

A thermal camera would be flown over the site before all staff were stood down.

Mr Johnston said the source of the fire was a rubbish fire and the man involved had been spoken to. Investigations would continue as to whether charges would be laid. The cost of the operation would run in to the tens of thousands but the final cost was yet to be added up.

He hoped forecast rain would keep the fire season as restricted but a close eye would be kept on the conditions and if necessary the season could be lifted to prohibited.

A restricted season means no fires can be lit without a permit, including rubbish fires.

"It's a warning to people lighting fires that conditions are still volatile and things can quickly get out of hand with plenty of combustible material around."