Four Coromandel homes and a historic commune have been destroyed by a devastating fire in Whitianga that started on Tuesday.
After an overnight battle against the blaze firefighters are now using an excavator and other heavy machinery to dig fire breaks around nearby houses.
Three helicopters are still in air as well as ground crews dampening hot spots, and the fire has been contained.
Fire crews were called to the Wilderland commune on Comers Rd just after 5pm on Tuesday where strong winds were fuelling the scrub fire.
"We've managed to save more homes than we lost, but I feel very sorry for everyone from that community... there's not much left," Rural fire officer Paul Shaw
said.
Locals have organised support for residents who have lost their homes.
"We're in the process of making contact with all the Comers Road residents affected by the fire to determine in what way we, and the wider community, can assist," Whitianga Social Services manager Jenny Wolf told the Mercury Bay Informer.
A Givealittle page has been started to help support victims of the fire.
"It'll cause major upheaval in their lives for a while which is on the downside," Stephan Bosman from the Mercury Bay Informer told Newshub.
"On the upside in times like this our local community really rally around people in need, and that has already started."
Helicopters and crews fighting the blaze had to retreat at sundown, but three choppers continued the attack at first light on Wednesday.
Mr Shaw described the conditions as steep terrain, with very dry scrub, and extremely volatile.
"At this stage its not a raging inferno anymore, it's pretty much just smouldering," he said.
Mr Shaw said the crews had done a phenomenal job and were to thank for the houses that were saved.
Stethan Bossman from the Mercury Bay Informer flew over the blaze, and says the fire is huge.
"Three helicopters are on the scene with monsoon buckets. I would estimate about 15 hectares has been burned out."
Three more houses were evacuated as the scrub fire raged through the night near Comers Road in Kaimarama, with more than 30 acres damaged before nightfall.
Loss of commune mourned
Many people have posted on Facebook expressing grief at the loss of the Wilderland commune.
"This is the end of the most magnificent garden of eden [sic]" Deborah Nash wrote.
"I have stayed there several times it was the most amazing property, hundreds of the best organic fruit trees in the country."
"My heart goes out to those who were living there or have lived there in the past. I have lovely memories of visiting residents there, wandering through the gardens and regenerating native bush," Wendy Morris said.
"It is shattering to hear that the whole of the sustainable community of Wilderland who so many people know of and have visited, has been completely burnt to the ground, their orchards, homes, all the decades of work they have put in. They will need a lot of support to help rebuild," Annie McNeur wrote.
"Wilderland was a motherhouse and inspiration for the many communes that sprang up around Aotearoa in the '60s & '70s and is one of few to survive… A huge loss of a unique creative environment," Laurie Wilson said.
Eyewitness Clinton Davis told Newshub shortly after 8pm on Tuesday the fire was growing in size.
"You can clearly see the flames and everything. It's getting bigger," Mr Davis said.
The fire broke out just before 5pm on Tuesday night.
Newshub.
