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The scrub fire in Northland that has forced evacuations in the settlement of Kaimaumau had been spewing plumes of smoke into the air since Saturday.
Fire crews were close to getting the blaze under control yesterday, until it burst back into life last night.
About 1.5km away, on the other side of Rangaunu Harbour is Rangiputa Beach where guests at the Reef Lodge motel could see the blaze as it took hold.
Its manager, Lesley McCormick, spoke to Corin Dann.