Fourteen crews of firefighters and four helicopters were called to a fire in Whanganui. Photo: RNZ / Rob Dixon
About 50 firefighters and four helicopters were working to contain a large fire in a pine forest near Whanganui on Sunday evening.
By 10pm on Sunday night the fire was still burning across 100 hectares, and FENZ said there are "multiple fires burning within the perimeter".
Helicopters had been stood down for the night, and were set to return in the morning
FENZ said the fire was burning a mixture of pine and other vegetation.
Initially the fire was burning in part of the forest that had previously been logged, however it had moved on and was burning among the pine trees that were still growing.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said it was called to the fire in the Lismore Forest, along State Highway Four, about 5.15pm.
The fire was still actively burning on Sunday night and crews were continuing to tackle the blaze.
The fire was originally across a diameter of 1-2 kilometres when crews arrived, but had spread to about 2-3 kilometres by 8pm.
Crews and helicopters with monsoon buckets were trying to stop the fire spreading further, said FENZ.
Three pumps from Whanganui and three water tankers were in action, as well as five rural pumps from Whanganui, Manawatu and Kohi.
FENZ said the 10-15 km/h winds continued to fan the fire.
Fire in gullies also made it hard to estimate the exact area of vegetation affected.
Traffic management was in place to allow forestry and roading contractors' machinery to be relocated.
Firefighters were still working on the ground supported by helicopters.
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