Many residents were evacuated because of the fire. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
A rubbish fire has been revealed as the cause of a blaze that swept through more than 90 hectares of pine trees and slash, and came within metres of destroying 20 homes.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said last week's Waipoua Forest fire started accidentally when a rubbish fire got out of control.
RNZ has asked if the fire had a permit, and if FENZ was considering prosecution or cost recovery.
Last week, residents were evacuated from Waipoua Settlement in Northland as the blaze threatened over 20 homes.
Up to 100 firefighters were on the ground fighting the fire, alongside eight helicopters.
While no homes were lost, some sustained internal smoke damage and Waipoua Settlement's water supply system was destroyed.
A digger expands the containment line around the Waipoua fire. Photo: Supplied / FENZ
A total fire ban was imposed across much of Northland after the fire broke-out.
The prohibited fire season included Muriwhenua or Te Hiku area at the top of the Far North along with the entire west coast of Northland, including North and South Hokianga, and the Ripiro and Paparoa fire districts.
Any previously issued fire permits in those areas were been cancelled.
Te Roroa Development group general manager Snow Tane. Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Iwi leader Snow Tane said about a third of the evacuees returned on Sunday night and by Tuesday about two-thirds were back in their homes.
Those who had yet to return were worried about the possibility of another flare-up and particularly about the health effects of lingering smoke.
A reduced number of firefighters remain in the area to dampen down hotspots and guard against flare-ups.
The fire started near Waipoua Settlement Road on the afternoon of 26 February.
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