A section of State Highway 15 is closed following a 2ha scrub firein the Far North this afternoon.

It comes just hours after a drought was announced for Northland.

Fire and Emergency said they were asking travellers to avoid the area around Awarua so firefighters can work.

Police said they were there managing traffic and the road on either side of Tokawhero Rd is closed.

According to New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, SH15 is closed 2km south of Tokawhero Rd and delays are expected.

Reports of the fire came in just after 12.30pm.

Eight trucks are at the location and five helicopters have been sent to battle the fire, which is in scrub and grass.

Another Northland fire, in the Waipoua River area in Kaipara, was brought under control earlier this week.

Residents were evacuated last Wednesday as flames reportedly came within metres of homes within the settlement.

A prohibited fire seasonis in effect for the Muriwhenua, Hokianga, Ripiro and Paparoa areas of Northland.

No outdoor fires are allowed and all permits are revoked.

Meanwhile, the rest of Northland is under a restricted fire season, meaning anyone wanting to light a fire needs to apply for a permit through checkitsalright.nz.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.