Broadcaster Paul Henry has labelled himself “a fool” after losing control of a bonfire on his rural Northland property he is developing into luxury accommodation.

Henry, 65, shared on social media that the local fire brigade attended his property in Paparoa, after he lit and lost control of a fire.

“After decades of building and lighting bonfires with dubious safety considerations I finally became unstuck... Sh*t it escalated quickly,” he said, sharing footage showing two trucks working to control a fire in a paddock.

The Chase New Zealand host thanked the local fire brigade that came to his rescue, praising the way they dealt with the blaze without judgment.

“They were so professional and effective and managed to avoid saying the obvious - out loud … Mr Henry is a fool!"

Two trucks attended the fire. Photo / Instagram

The fire danger rating in the Kaipara region is currently set to low, meaning fires are permitted without a permit as long as you follow the safety requirements.

Fire and Emergency advises anyone lighting a fire to “be prepared to extinguish your fire if the wind changes and follow the safety requirements”.

On January 21, Henry shared he was undergoing intensive building works on the property. In a picture Henry posted of the burning rubbish pile, a rubbish skip can be seen nearby the blaze.

“Salt River Barn at 3DAMS farm in the Kaipara is being restored, renovated and turned into luxury accommodation, in an isolated slice of paradise on the banks of the largest enclosed harbour in the world,” Henry wrote on his Instagram page.

“I’ve had this farm land for many years and love the place so much. Don’t know how long this project will take. It’s a very special place. A place of poets...”

The paddock blaze left a large patch of the earth scorched. Photo / Instagram

In 2024 Henry and his wife, entrepreneur Diane Foreman, listed their Auckland mansion for sale, telling OneRoof it was just too big for the pair.

Foreman bought 33 Arney Crescent, in Remuera, in 2016 for $8.25 million. Four years later she married Henry, at a ceremony at the house, and he officially moved in. The property is still on the market, with the price by negotiation.

Henry also owns a home in Palm Springs, California.

He has been approached for comment.