A large vegetation fire which broken out in Auckland's Whenuapai this afternoon, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, has been contained.
Fire and Emergency NZ said it was called to the blaze on Trigg Rd in Whenuapai, northwest of Auckland at around 4.10pm, which was a result of an out-of-control burn off.
"On arrival there was a large grass fire around 200x50 metres and spreading," a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.
Crews from West Harbour, Kumeū, Waitakere, Greenhithe, Auckland City, Albany, Henderson, Te Atatu and RNZAF Base Auckland F5204 responded.
A 1News staff member at the scene said the fire was burning opposite the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) base in Whenuapai, with the neighbouring road closed as a result.
The vegetation blaze broke out near the Whenuapai airbase, with smoke visible from surrounding suburbs. (Source: 1News)
"The fire started spreading towards a palm orchard, so a third alarm was called for more pumps, water tanks, and manpower," Fire and Emergency said.
"Currently there are eight pumps, three tankers, and a few specialist appliances at the scene – along with a water tanker from the RNZAF Base."
In an update shortly before 6pm, Fire and Emergency said the fire had been contained to the perimeter of multiple burn piles.
In a post shared to Facebook, Waitematā Fire and Emergency said motorists on the Upper Harbour Motorway between Westgate and Brigham Creek may notice smoke from the fire, urging residents to drive cautiously
There were no reports of injuries. Police were not currently in attendance.
More to come
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