Scrub fire at Pataua South on Northland’s east coast

Helicopters were called in to help firefighters battle a 3ha scrub fire in Whangārei Heads.

A Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said crews were alerted to the blaze in Pataua South after receiving multiple calls around 2.10pm today.

The fire charred the hillside near a property on Hutchinson Rd, which hugs the Pataua River.

Fire and Emergency had earlier said from aerial images that at least one property was at risk.

Firefighters from Whangārei Heads, Onerahi, Hikurangi, and Whangarei responded to the callout.

They were helped by three helicopters while a fourth was on standby.

A large horde of holidaymakers gathered on the waterfront to watch as two helicopters filled monsoon buckets in the estuary near Pataua Bridge - a popular swim spot.

Firefighters could be seen at the peak of the hill hosing down burnt pine trees and scrub.

Plumes of smoke were billowing from the hill that was previously covered in kikuyu grass.

The smoke was less dramatic than earlier when the fire tore its way through what appeared to be farmland.

The smell of smoke filled the coastal town.

Smoke could be seen coming from the far side of the hill facing away from Pataua South.

Helicopters and the fire appliances were seen leaving the extinguished blaze shortly before 6pm.

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.