Update: 3.30pm A forestry and scrub fire in the Lower Kaimais that started on Friday night has now been contained.

"All the fire and emergency appliances have left and it's now in the hands of private forestry crews," says Fire Emergency NZ shift manager Kaisey Cook.

Fire Emergency NZ - FENZ - received a call at about 7.10pm on Friday night about a fire burning in the area between SH29 and Ruahihi Rd.

"On arrival we found the fire to be inaccessible by ground. It was too dark and we couldn't send a helicopter.

"We had someone keep a keen eye on it overnight and at first light this morning we had a helicopter head there."

One FENZ command unit remained on site during the morning dealing with the helicopter, says Kaisey.

"We left at about 11.30am. There are now no Fire and Emergency crews left on site. The fire is contained and there are forestry crews on site damping down hot spots and keeping an eye on it. They will also be back there again tomorrow."

Kaisey says that approximately 2,500 square metres of forest and scrub have been burned.

Update. 8.45am: A fire which has been smouldering in the Lower Kaimai Range overnight is being fought with fire crews and a helicopter this morning.

"We got the call at about ten past seven last night," says Fire Emergency NZ shift manager Kaisey Cook.

"On arrival we found the fire to be inaccessible by ground. It was too dark and we couldn't send a helicopter.

"We had someone keep a keen eye on it overnight and at first light this morning we had a helicopter head there."

The fire is covering an area of about two hectares.

"The aerial operation is stopping for half an hour and they've managed to get some ground crews in there," says Kaisey. "The helicopter will recommence shortly."

Motorists are encouraged to stay well away from the area.

"It's a rural spot so we ask that the roadways are kept clear for our crews," says Kaisey.

Earlier, 8.15am A fire which has been burning overnight in the Kaimai Range is being fought this morning by Fire Emergency NZ crews.

"Someone let off a flare just before 7pm last night," says Kaimai resident Jeanette Miller.

The fire is burning in the area between SH29 and Ruahihi Rd.

"Helicopters have been putting it out for ages."

At the scene? Phone 0800 NEWSROOM or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz

Saturday morning