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Dozens of properties are being evacuated as a large vegetation fire in Northland is invading Ahipara Township.
The scene of a fire that advances in the houses of Ahipara. Helicopters have been used to deal with the huge bush fire.
Photo: Facebook / Puia Nathan-Natanahira
Firefighters and Emergencies said that tonight the fire had burned an area of approximately 1 km by 1 km. The fire was slowly spreading to the east and was currently not contained.
Firefighters were called to the Ahipara Gumfields Historic Reserve at 5.45pm this afternoon.
Six helicopters and various crews from the region will attend.
The ground crews will stay overnight and once night falls, the helicopters will be on the ground until dawn.
Police said they were evacuating 40 properties around Reef View Road and Foreshore Road.
Those affected by the evacuations are encouraged to go to the local rugby club or the Roma Marae, if they need help.
There are barricades in the municipality.
