Photo: Northland Age via NZ HeraldA bach and a shed have been destroyed by an early-morning fire at Ahipara in Northland, but ground crews and four helicopters saved a number of homes after they were evacuated. About half a dozen homes off the Gumfields Rd were evacuated, but all appeared to have been spared. They took off from the Ahipara rugby field at 6.45am, by which time it was light enough for them to fly. Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Daniel Nicholson earlier said efforts to quell the blaze were put off unitl dawn as it was too dangerous for ground crews because of the hilly terrain and the darkness. He reminded people a total fire ban was in place for Northland.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 07, 2019 22:07 UTC