Pine forest fire ignites at Putauaki in Bay of Plenty

Smoke from the Mt Putauaki fire seen from Onslow St, Kawerau.

Authorities are investigating a fire on Mount Putauaki in the Bay of Plenty.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded with 10 fire crews and two helicopters to a large fire in a pine forest on Putauaki (Mount Edgecumbe) near Kawerau about 2pm on Wednesday.

This morning a Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said a crew was present overnight to monitor and continue extinguishing hotspots.

“The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.”

In a 4.35pm Facebook update on Wednesday, Bay of Plenty Fire and Emergency said the fire was “now fully contained”.

“Our crews will still be working in the area for some time today so please continue to avoid the area around this side of the mountain.”

A 3.40pm update said the fire area was about 100m by 200m.

A Fire and Emergency official earlier told SunLive two fire engines, a rural unit and a water tanker had initially been sent to the fire.

Residents have been asked to stay clear of the fire until further notice.

Brigades from Kawerau, Edgecumbe and Eastern Bay of Plenty Rotoma were at the scene.

The crews reported that the fire was located in the pine forest, and a third alarm was activated.

“Now 10 fire trucks and two helicopters are in attendance,” the spokesperson said.

Fire and Emergency had not been informed of any risk to the public.

- SunLive