Firefighters are battling an “uncontrolled” scrub fire in a Northland coastal settlement this afternoon, which Fire and Emergency says has endangered local properties.
Crews received multiple calls reporting the fire in Ngunguru at around 3.30pm.
“There are 11 crews at the scene, and approximately 44 fire fighters in attendance. Three helicopters are also fighting the blaze,” a Fire and Emergency (FENZ) spokesperson said.
They added that firefighters were battling the blaze from one side while helicopters handled the other side. FENZ said the fire was currently endangering properties.
One resident told 1News that several locals have left their homes as a precaution.
Whangārei District councillor Scott McKenzie described the fire as “pretty major”.
Police confirmed it was on site to move onlookers and vehicles on from the area.
Northpower said 530 homes were without power for about two hours due to a safety shutdown in response to the fire.
“Our fault team are patrolling the lines due to a large spread fire, this can take around 60-90 minutes,” a spokesperson said.
Power was restored around 5.20pm.
