Four helicopters were used to help two ground crews battle the scrub fire. The blaze was contained by 1.15pm. As of 4.20pm, all helicopters had left the scene and only ground crews remained to dampen down any hotspots. It was likely they would return at first light on Thursday to double-check the area, Lyford said. scott hammond/stuff About four helicopters are used to tackle the fire as it burns through about 20ha of scrub early on Wednesday. Much of the fire was on private property, but some Department of Conservation land had also been affected, so the department had been notified, he said.