Northland firefighters battle huge bush fire

File photo / NZ Herald

Firefighters are battling a 37-hectare bush fire in Northland in danger of spreading to farm paddocks.

Fire crews, four helicopters, three pump appliances and two tankers are working to control the blaze which broke out near Kelly Bays Rd, Pouto, just after 9.30am.

"It's pretty big. It was well out of control at 8ha," said Northern Fire Communications shift manager Steve Smith.

"They've (firefighters) have been working pretty hard."

The fire had potential to encroach on nearby farm paddocks but no houses or people were in danger, he said.

Three helicopters fight forest fire in Northland:

Nearby roads have been partially closed, said Mr Smith.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, but it is believed to have started in a conservation area and then spread to pine forest.