First responders to an out of control rubbish fire in Black Rock say it was a narrow escape for a residence while again ringing warning bells about responsible burning.

What started out as a rubbish fire soon got out of control. Six volunteer firefighters and two off duty Airport Rescue firefighters were tied up for more than two hours trying to get the blaze under control just after 9am yesterday.

Puaikura Fire Brigade station officer Tarina Moorfield said the fire, at a small residence up a long driveway off the Main Rd was called in about 9am.

While it was described as a simple rubbish fire that was contained, the situation could have been a lot more serious, Moorfield said.

A tenant at the residence called the blaze in after setting fire to cardboard boxes in a concrete culvert on the property.

Moorfield said the tenant was trying to contain the blaze, but it soon spread, engulfing shrub.

Her crew of six, supported by tow off duty officers, were supported by a water tanker from another brigade after a request for it support was called in.

Crews not only had to battle the blaze, but had to access the property, up a long drive way with the 5000 litre tanker.

A hydrant, several hundred metres away on the Main Rd, was eventually connected, but did not provide significant water pressure, she said.

Moorfield said much of the shrub had not been trimmed and was quite high, leaving it very dry underneath.

Weather conditions were still pretty dry despite people talking about the island experiencing a wet winter, she said.

“We are still at risk of small rubbish fires getting away in areas where shrub is not cut back.

“It was fortunate the wind was going in the opposite direction; it could have been more serious.”

Moorfield repeated a message heard from firefighters multiple times.

“People need to think about where they are burning rubbish, weather conditions and their access to water.”