A number of scrub fires that broke out in Northland overnight were deliberately lit, the fire service says.
Fire crews say they've managed to put out six fires on the Pouto Peninsula south of Dargaville, after they broke out just after 5am.
More than five appliances and a helicopter took three hours to bring the fires under control, which stretched across more than a hectare of land.
Fire communications spokesman Scott Osmond said what was initially thought to be a large scrub fire turned out to be several smaller ones.
Fire crews have now left the scene.
