Firefighters have renewed their efforts this morning against the large scrub fire which has destroyed four homes and forced residents to evacuate in Whitianga.

The Wilderland Trust, a well-known organic farm and self-reliant community, has also been wiped out.

Thames Valley principal rural fire officer Paul Shaw says the poor conditions mean fighting the fire through the night was not possible.

'When it got dark last night we had to pull the ground crews out as it was too steep and dangerous with the terrain and dry vegetation. The helicopters also had to shut down operations.

'Unfortunately with the tinder-dry conditions and the wind, we lost approximately four dwellings and the Wilderland Trust community. I've driven down through there, and the majority of that community has been devastated by the fire.”

Around 25 firefighters are on the scene, from six ground crews. Multiple water tankers are on site, while three helicopters are also back in the air.

'The helicopters are working on making it safe for the remaining homes in the area, while the ground crews are working on hot spots and accessible areas,” says Paul.

One saving grace is that the fire is effectively cornered on peninsula, and can only move south.

'But the wind is coming from that direction and pushing it away, which is very helpful. The helicopters are working to cut off the two flanks coming south, and once those are cut off and the fire is contained in perimeter, we work on expanding that perimeter so it can't escape.”

Paul says there's no indications to what started the fire at this stage, although clearly the fire conditions have been extreme.

'It spread so quickly, so it's hard to tell where it started. We might have to get specialist rural fire investigators in to have a look at it at a later date.”

After assessing the scope of the fire by helicopter this morning and marking it out on a map, Paul believes the current area burnt is around 10.5 hectares.

'Hopefully we'll have it well under control and contained by the end of the day. But due to where it is, we're looking at days before it's completely out.”

Whitianga resident Mark Samson says people can still see smoke looking south from Robinson Road in Whitanga town, as the fire continues to burn.

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