Choppers called in to battle Coromandel blaze

The Department of Conservation is sending in helicopters this morning to deal with the remnants of a bush fire on the Coromandel.

The blaze broke out yesterday afternoon on Moanataiari Creek Road, near Thames.

Fire Service shift manager Scott Osmond said the job of the helicopters was to get the fire under control, so crews could go in on foot.

It would be a rough job in difficult terrain, and the blaze had scorched through an area about the size of four rugby fields, he said.

Helicopters will be up this morning.

Mr Osmond said the area was almost inaccessible on foot.

Once the fire was under control, crews would go in and dampen down any hot spots.

He said the cause of the blaze was not known and investigations were under way.

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