Coromandel scrub fire spreads to the size of more than seven rugby fields, helicopter en route

Fenz shift manager Carren Larking said firefighters are taking "offensive tactics" to attempt to cut off any further spread. Photo/Whangamata Volunteer Fire Brigade

The large scrub fire just south of Whangamata is still spreading and is now stretching across a 10ha area.

Emergency services were called to the blaze in a paddock off Whangamata Rd, near Parakiwai Quarry Rd, in the Coromandel district at 3.27pm today.

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the scene and hours later are continuing to battle the blaze.

Initially, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it was a 100m by 100m scrub fire.

Now there are spot fires over a 10ha area.

Fenz shift manager Carren Larking said firefighters are taking "offensive tactics" to attempt to cut off any further spread.

She said the firefighters are battling hazards such as streams, unburnt shrub and an old dump site, with flames and smoke still in the area.

A chopper was called in to assist firefighters. Photo/Whangamata Volunteer Fire Brigade

Earlier, Fenz shift manager Daniel Nicholson said it was not near any residential properties and no evacuations had been called yet.

"It's in a paddock which isn't near any houses so we aren't worried about that just yet."

A chopper is at the site and fire crews are using high and low pressure delivery hoses.

Eight crews are in attendance after a third alarm has been made.

Eight firetrucks and crews were called in to battle the fire. Photo/Whangamata Volunteer Fire Brigade

A MetService spokesman said that the northwesterly winds in the area are expected to ease off this evening, with a few showers which might help dull the fire.

Rain is expected to hit the area around dawn tomorrow.