New Zealand / Northland

Scrub fire on Coromandel Peninsula

22:08 pm on 12 December 2020

A blaze at Pumpkin Hill north of Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula has been contained for the night.

The scrub fire led to houses being evacuated at Sailors Grave but residents have since been allowed to return home. Photo: Coromandel CFM

Emergency services were called to the fire after it broke out about 2.30pm today.

Homes on Sailors Grave Road were evacuated but residents have since been able to return home.

Photo: Coromandel CFM

Principal Rural Fire Officer Matt Cook said fire crews have been prepping the area for the night shift but it is now under control.

No buildings were lost.

He said crews, with the assistance of helicopters, worked well to dampen the fire, which was was fuelled by manuka scrub.

A team will remain on site overnight and the fire will be reassessed in the morning.

Police say State Highway 25 has now reopened.

Fire crew will remain on site overnight. Photo: Coromandel CFM

Meanwhile, scrub fire that broke out on Christchurch's Port Hills last night is now also contained with those residents who were evacuated allowed to return home.