Third chopper sent to battle huge fire near Taupo

Three helicopters with monsoon buckets and 40 fire fighters are battling a tussock fire in Kinloch, north of Taupo.

Fire communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said the wind has picked up to 10km and hour and is causing the fire to spread quickly.

He said there is a stand of pines at the head of the fire but no buildings have been threatened.

Mr Phillips said about seven hectares have been burnt so far.

He said the fire is believed to have started from a spark given off a machine making hay.

Fire crews from around the Bay of Plenty are at the scene.

- NZ HERALD STAFF