A large scrub fire is burning out of control at a Waikato quarry, with firefighters calling in a helicopter to help battle the blaze.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews were called to Smythes Quarry, near State Highway 2, about 3.15pm today.
The quarry is near Waitakaruru, a small rural settlement on the Hauraki Plains, near the southern end of the Firth of Thames.
Northern shift manager Josh Pennefather told the Herald the fire had spread across an estimated 3.7 hectares and remained uncontained.
Crews are working to bring the blaze under control, with additional crews and a helicopter responding to the scene, he said.
Smythes Quarry has operated alongside State Highway 2 since 1960, supplying construction materials for major infrastructure projects.
Further south, a fire in the Waiouru Military Area has burned across an estimated 50 to 60 hectares, with nine crews and three helicopters involved in firefighting efforts.