Large vegetation fire in Waipoua Forest, crews responding

Blanket of smoke hovers in Waipoua as families escape the blaze

The fire in was 50% contained and was around 96 hectares in size, with a 4.5km perimeter, firefighters said.

Remaining residents evacuated as massive Waipoua Forest fire rages in Northland

It is believed some firefighters are also unable to get out by road and will have to evacuate via the beach.

Large vegetation fire in Waipoua Forest, crews responding

Fire and Emergency crews are battling a large vegetation fire in the Waipoua Forest in Northland this afternoon. They were alerted to the blaze around 2.15pm...