Fire crews are hoping to have a major vegetation fire in the Far North contained by the end of the day.
The blaze, in Kaimaumau, near Houhora, now covers about 350 hectares and has been burning since early yesterday afternoon.
About 20 firefighters are on the scene today, as well as six helicopters with monsoon buckets.
Fire and Emergency incident controller Mitchell Brown said the blaze was 80 percent contained at 9.30 today.
He said crews will have to stick around for a couple of days to mop up residual fires.
It was reported shortly before 1.30pm yesterday.
Nine fire engines, seven helicopters, two excavators and a bulldozer were working to put it out yesterday.
Fire and Emergency set up a command unit from Whangārei to manage the incident.
Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.