Firefighters says the blaze near Kaimaumau in the Far North is all but contained and 30 evacuated families were given the all clear to go back to the coastal township this morning.
The Kaimaumau fire as seen from Reef Lodge Motel in Rangiputa. Photo: Supplied / Reef Lodge Motel
The blaze has burned through 2000 hectares of bush, scrub, wetland and dune vegetation but no-one was hurt and no properties were damaged.
Fire and Emergency Northland district manager Wipari Henwood said there are no signs of any embers in or around the settlement, however, there are still hotspots to the north near the containment line.
Heavy machinery would continue to clear vegetation for the next few days, he said.
The fire is expected to smoulder for weeks and additional ground crews will be called in to work the perimeter.
Far North mayor John Carter was pleased Kaimaumau residents had returned to their homes unscathed, after being evacuated from their homes three days ago.
The evacuation was necessary, Carter said.
Kaimaumau resident Phill Winnicott said the first thing he would do when he got home is take a shower.
Other residents expressed relief at being able to return to unscathed homes.
Campers will be kept out of Kaimaumau for the rest of the summer, at least, to reduce the chances of accidental fire.
Residents were also concerned visitors would not be be easily accounted for and would not get out fast enough if another rapid mass evacuation happened.
Carter said police and residents were going to keep watch.