Kaitaia scrub fire: A sign of things to come?

A helicopter delivers another monsoon bucket of water to last week's fire near Kaitaia airport.

Last week's fire adjacent to Kaitaia airport was a warning that the Far North was drying out after a wet autumn and winter according to fire authorities.

Several acres of scrub were burned on both sides of Quarry Road on Wednesday, potentially threatening Aniwaniwa Te Kohanga Reo and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rangi Aniwaniwa, both of which were evacuated.

The airport was closed as a precaution, but no commercial flights were affected.

The Kaitaia Fire Brigade's alarm sounded again on Thursday after smoke was seen in the area, but the blaze did not re-ignite. Firefighters remained at the scene overnight and into Thursday to deal with hotspots.

The blaze was not regarded as suspicious, but authorities warned that more care was needed when lighting fires given that conditions were becoming drier.

Meanwhile Kaitaia's Chief Fire Officer, Colin Kitchen, said the speed at which the fire had travelled, thanks to a strong north-easterly wind, had made it too dangerous for about 30 firefighters to attack the blaze on the ground, so two helicopters were called to bring it under control before they went to work.

The wind had made it a tough job for them too.

Four fire appliances, four tankers and 30 firefighters and support staff had responded.

Northland deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Lance Johnston also urged caution when lighting fires, with forecasters predicting windy conditions for another month. Rain was also forecast, but that would provide only short-term relief.

"People have to be vigilant and watch the wind, and make sure there is no combustible material around," Mr Johnston said.

He had the same message for those who planned to let off fireworks, adding that conditions would be closely monitored, and if necessary fire restrictions would be put in place.