Whangārei Heads vegetation fire

The story so far

A large scrub fire broke out on Whangārei Heads Road on 9 January 2025, and firefighters and helicopters were sent to fight it.^{9 Jan 2025} Reports differ on the start time, with one saying the fire began shortly after 2pm and another saying it was reported shortly after midday.^{9 Jan 2025} The blaze prompted evacuations of nearby homes that were threatened by the fire, between Onerahi and Tamaterau.^{9 Jan 2025} Multiple fire trucks and helicopters worked to contain the fire, which destroyed between 14 and 20 hectares of vegetation.^{9, 10 Jan 2025} The fire was later reported as under control, and residents of two evacuated homes were allowed to return.^{10 Jan 2025}

Latest

The fire was reported as under control, and residents of two evacuated homes were allowed back to their properties.^{10 Jan 2025}

What's next

Crews plan to return on Saturday morning to extinguish remaining hotspots.^{10 Jan 2025}

Key moments

1. 9 Jan 2025Scrub fire on Whangārei Heads Road prompts evacuation of several nearby homes.
2. 9 Jan 2025Evacuations underway as vegetation fire threatens houses between Onerahi and Tamaterau.
3. 10 Jan 2025Fire reported under control after destroying 14 to 20 hectares of vegetation.
4. 10 Jan 2025Residents of two evacuated homes allowed to return to their properties.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.