Fire burns through scrub near Kaitaia; thought it could be controlled tonight; arsonist believed to be behind latest Northland blaze

It is believed a fire currently burning through scrub near Kaitaia will be under control within the next few hours.

It began this afternoon and so far two helicopters and several fire trucks are fighting the blaze.

Rural fire officer Kevin Ihaka says even though the fire will be contained soon, it will be a long time before it is completely out.

That is because it is on top of a peat swamp, which will also be burning, making the fire very difficult to completely extinguish.

The fire is being treated as suspicious, and police are already on the scene investigating.