Firecrews tackled a brushfire at a house in Smith’s last night.

The flames destroyed an area of grass and several bushes in the grounds of a house in Harrington Sound Road.

Dylan Rance, 16, who lives at the house with his mother, said he was in his room playing video games when he heard sirens outside at about 6pm.

He added: “I had my windows closed and my AC was on, but when I looked out of the window I could see the police and fire trucks so we came outside.

“It’s upsetting to see it burnt.”

The fire, close to a Belco utility pole, was tackled by firefighters from Clearwater and Hamilton fire stations.

Police said there were delays on Harrington Hundreds Road and the Knapton Hill area, where there was heavy smoke.

A fire service spokesman said: “It was a rapid-spreading fire. We have not determined the cause yet. It’s all under control now.”

He added that police diverted traffic and advised road users to take use alternative routes if possible while firefighters fought the blaze.

Police said the road had reopened to traffic at about 7.30pm.