Photos show dramatic blaze spreading up Māngere Mountain overnight

Firefighters fighting a large scrub fire on the slopes of Māngere Mountain. Photo / Hayden Woodward

• A large fire broke out on Māngere Mountain overnight
• Photos show the blaze spreading up the hillside, away from houses and properties
• Onehunga Fire Station’s Martin Campbell said they managed to extinguish the blaze, and crews left the scene this morning

Firefighters have managed to extinguish a blaze that was “rapidly spreading” up Māngere Mountain overnight.

Onehunga Fire Station’s Martin Campbell said they were called to a scrub fire on the side of the maunga about 2am.

“It became clear from the calls being received that the fire was rapidly spreading up the hill,” said Campbell.

Firefighters fighting a large scrub fire on the slopes of Mangere Mountain overnight, November 21. Photo / Hayden Woodward

At its peak, the fire was measured at approximately 100 metres wide and 50 metres tall from the mountain’s base.

Upon arrival, crews called for additional assistance. They had six pumping trucks and a command unit working with 28 firefighters to control the blaze.

“We have been able to knock the left and right flanks and prevent the fire from going up the hill,” Campbell said earlier this morning.

After transitioning to the mop-up phase around 4am, crews managed to put the fire out.

A Fenz spokesperson told the Herald the fire is now extinguished and crews left the scene this morning.

Katie Oliver is a Christchurch-based Multimedia Journalist and breaking news reporter.