A Dargaville man faces multiple firearms charges after firing a shot into a garage and sparking a major police operation on Thursday night.

The 37-year-old appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Friday charged with discharging a firearm in a house, discharging a firearm to intimidate, presenting a firearm at a person, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The drama began on Ranfurly Street in Dargaville, close to Selwyn Park Primary School, just after 6.30pm.

Local residents reported seeing the police Eagle helicopter circling over the town, as many as 10 police cars, and spikes being laid to stop any fleeing vehicle.

Other residents attending a public meeting in town were told not to leave the building.

Inspector Maria Nordstrom, Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, said police responded to reports of a man pointing a firearm at a person during a family harm incident.

He then allegedly fired a shot into an unoccupied garage on the property.

"Our staff responded into the area, and took this man into custody," she said.

"Police would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, involving parties known to each other."

Police enquiries were continuing.

It's understood the man required medical treatment after being subdued by a police dog.