Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone crew will be working on Matakana Island overnight.

They will be using thermal imaging to identify hotspots around the perimeter of the fireground so that firefighters will be able to target them tomorrow, Boxing Day.

Incident Controller Jeff Maunder describes the fire as "complex" with the fire burning underground in the root systems of large trees.

"As well as in the "duff layer" of partly decayed organic material on ground, and in living vegetation," says Jeff.

Her says the fire is contained within a secure perimeter, but there are pockets of vegetation and tree stumps that are still smouldering and could reignite if not fully extinguished.

Firefighters will continue working until dark tonight, when two crews will take over monitoring the fireground overnight and the drone team will begin their operations.

Fire fighters at work on Matakana Island on Christmas Day. Photo: Supplied.

Active firefighting will resume in the morning with crews on the ground and two helicopters waterbombing.

It’s likely that operations will continue until at least Wednesday.

People in Tauranga and along the coast could still expect to see and smell smoke from the fire over the next day or so, says Jeff.

Fire fighters at work on Matakana Island on Christmas Day. Photo: Supplied.

Aerial view of the fire on Matakana Island on Christmas Day. Photo: Supplied.

Jeff thanked Matakana locals who had dropped off baking and other supplies for the firefighters, and also the local ferry operator who had made extra trips to make sure that crews, vehicles and equipment could cross to and from the island.

"We really appreciate the support from the community. Everyone working on this fire has given up Christmas Day with their families.

"We’ve made sure they’ve had some Christmas treats today - they’re working hard - and it’s also good to know that the locals are right behind us."

Fire crew members on Matakana Island on Christmas Day. Photo: Supplied.

The Fire and Emergency Bay of Plenty Facebook page also posted an update.

"First of all, big thanks to the locals who have dropped off baking and refreshments for our crews over the last couple of days," writes the Facebook page administrator.

"We have catering arranged for all the firefighters and support personnel on the island, but we really appreciate the support from the community.

"And a special shout-out to Geoff Bird and his son, who have kept the ferry operating over Christmas so we can get all our people, equipment and vehicles on and off Matakana – we couldn’t do it without you guys!

Fire fighters at work on Matakana Island on Christmas Day. Photo: Supplied.

Fire fighters at work on Matakana Island on Christmas Day. Photo: Supplied.

Matakana night work. Photo: David Brown.