Scrub fire was threat to homes

Emergency services raced to control a large scrub fire last night.

Emergency services in Whangarei last night controlled a large scrub fire that threatened properties in a coastal community.

Police closed the Tutukaka Block Rd at the Dolphin Pl turnoff, 29km north-east of Whangarei, about 4.30pm while 16 fire crews and three helicopters fought the blaze, about 2km north of Kowharewa Bay.

The cause of the blaze was not known when this edition went to press.

Firefighters from Ngunguru, Onerahi, Whangarei, Hikurangi, Marsden, Kamo, and Maungakaramea were at the scene.

Northern fire communications' shift manager, Jaron Phillips, said the fire had burnt 25 hectares on a hillside but had largely been contained by the helicopters by 6.30pm.

A specialist fire investigator has been called to determine the cause of the blaze which came within 200m of houses.

The movement of residents along Dolphin Pl, Motel Rd, and Pacific Bay Rd were affected during the blaze.