Everyone evacuated from their houses in fear of a scrub fire on Waiheke Island have now returned to their homes, the Fire Service says.
Waiheke Island Photo: 123RF
A firework is being blamed as the cause of the blaze that started at about 1am this morning in the Omaru Bay area.
Although the fire was still ablaze, it was now under control.
Extra firefighters and equipment were ferried across to the island from Auckland city to help.
Firefighters said there were still visible flames, but they were "definitely winning".
It was one of many scrub fires overnight, with others further north at places like Ruakaka, near Whangarei, and Hokianga. Most of them were also sparked by fireworks, the Fire Service said.
There were also three house fires in South Auckland, but no one was hurt.
At one point overnight, more than 100 firefighters were out dealing with call-outs.
