Scrub fire breaks out in Far North

Fire crews have managed to bring a large scrub fire in the Far North under control.

Fire services were called to the blaze alongside a marae in Awanui, about 7km from Kaitaia, at about 2.50pm today, Fire Service northern communications shift manager Steve Smith said.

About 50sq m of scrubland near the intersection of State Highways 1 and 10 was ablaze, he said.

At its height, 10 rural fire crews were fighting the flames.

The whole area from the Far North to Taupo was "very dry", Mr Smith said.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB