Scrub fires cause evacuations in Waikato, Northland

The fires in Port Waikato and Pataua South.
The fires in Port Waikato and Pataua South. Photo credit: Getty

Fires in Northland and Waikato are disrupting holidaymakers, with some having to be evacuated.

Emergency services were called to a scrub fire in Pataua South, east of Whangarei, on Thursday afternoon.

Several fire trucks and a helicopter were seen attending and a police spokesperson confirmed they were called in to assist at around 12pm.

The fire flared up in the scrub behind the Treasure Island camping ground, which is full of campers enjoying the summer holidays.

The scrub fire in Pataua South.
The scrub fire in Pataua South. Photo credit: Getty
Scrub fires cause evacuations in Waikato, Northland
Photo credit: Newshub

An eyewitness told Newshub the fire has been dampened down but campers were told to get ready to evacuate the area if it gets worse.

Another fire has also broken out on Thursday afternoon in Port Waikato.

Fire and Emergency said they had four trucks and a tanker attending to the fire on Tuakau Bridge - Port Waikato Road.

Some people in the area were told to evacuate due to this fire, but police did not say how many.

Fire and Emergency attend to the Port Waikato fire.
Fire and Emergency attend to the Port Waikato fire. Photo credit: Newshub
The Port Waikato fire.
The Port Waikato fire. Photo credit: Newshub

Thursday's blazes come after a major fire broke out in the scrub behind Ahipara on Tuesday, at the southern end of 90 Mile Beach.

Helicopters battled that fire well into Wednesday, with a total of around 100 homes evacuated.