Firefighters battle scrub blaze

PHOTO / Anneke Hepi

Kawerau firefighters have been battling a scrub fire on the outskirts of the town.

The blaze was centred on the cliff face of an area locals call Whatuira, which is across the river from the Kawerau Golf Club on Cobham Drive.

A helicopter a with a monsoon bucket worked for hours attempting to bring the fire under control.

Although the cause of the fire has not been established, locals believe a violent electrical storm may Have been responsible.

Anneke Hepi said although the sun was shining brightly, thunder could be heard rolling at about 2pm.

"That was followed by a huge downpour that lasted about an hour and caused quite a bit of surface flooding," Ms Hepi said.

"At about 4pm we watched as lightning flashed several times."

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze just before 6pm.