A northland house has been burned to the ground by a fire that also burned through 5 hectares of scrub

Initial reports are the fire began when a water blaster caught alight.

Nine crews and two helicopters were sent to the fire south of Mamaranui north of Dargaville around 6 this evening.

Smoke from the fire caused State Highway 12 to be closed, but it has since reopened.

Crews have stayed at the scene to dampen down hot spots.