Helicopters are joining a major emergency effort to put out a bushfire burning in Auckland's Helensville that closed a section of SH16 on Thursday morning.
Monsoon buckets are being used to drop water from above, while large flames continue to rip through bush.
Meanwhile, police are investigating the circumstances of the blaze, and speaking with a man located nearby who is helping with enquiries.
Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) crews were alerted to the fire near the Kaipara Coast Highway around 3:30am.
"Firefighters found a large fire, in bush, described as uncontained and spreading quickly uphill," a FENZ spokesperson told Newshub.
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirmed SH16 is closed between Inland Rd and Pipitiwai Dr.
"Delay your journey or follow directions of response crews in the area," they said.
Police said diversions are in place between Pipitiwai Drive and Peak Road.
Three fire trucks and a water tanker are on the scene, where half of the fire has now been contained, with crews "working to contain the fire on the other side".
"As a precaution, crews are working to protect one property, which is approximately 200 metres from the fire," the FENZ spokesperson said.
Police are also at the scene, where enquiries into the circumstances of the fire are ongoing.
"A male was located near the address and is currently assisting police with our enquiries."
A Newshub reporter at the scene was told the man assisting police was allegedly seen leaving the scene with a container earlier in the morning.
