Fire closes SH1 south of Whangarei

Police have closed State Highway 1 just south of Whangarei while firefighters battle a scrub fire this afternoon.

Northern fire communications shift manager Scott Ormond told NZPA fire officers were called to the blaze at Otaika, seven kilometres south of Whangarei, about 3.15pm.

Traffic has been diverted from the highway as hoses have been pulled across the road to dowse the flames.

The fire covered a 30m by 40m area, Mr Ormond said.

The busy road was not expected to be closed for long, as there was a water supply and the fire was not that big, he said.

- NZPA