A large forest fire threatening homes near Dargaville in Northland has now been contained.
The fire was believed to have burned through 115 hectares and there were concerns that some homes and properties would need to be evacuated, Kaipara District Council corporate services manager Claire Lichtwark-McInnes said.
The fire appeared to have started on the south side of Mosquito Gully, about 40km southwest of Dargaville, about 2.30pm yesterday.
"When the wind picked up we were worried but the fire is no longer causing concern. If we get a nice cold snap tonight it will help," Ms Lichtwark-McInnes said.
Four helicopters and several ground crews fought to bring the blaze under control.
Firefighters were concerned at one point that the fire was going to threaten houses, Whangarei Fire Service station officer Mat Collins told NZPA.
The fire would be monitored overnight and possibly over the weekend.
