Police have begun evacuations in Māhia in the Hawke's Bay, and want any remaining people to be ready to leave (file photo). Photo: Supplied/Ross Wilson
Firefighters are focusing on dampening hot spots at a fire on the Māhia Peninsula that came dangerously close to houses.
Seven households were evacuated in Māhia after scrub near Maungawhio Drive caught fire this afternoon.
Fire and Emergency said the fire is now under control, and police said the road into Māhia has now re-opened.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said evacuees are gathering at the Community Hall, and the fire came to about five metres away from one of the buildings.
He said the fire started in piles of garden rubbish being burnt near the scrub.
"The one in Māhia was quite serious to start with.
"It got pretty close to some houses but they've managed to contain it and helicopers are there as well and I think fire people from Gisborne and Hawke's Bay."
Little said firefighters from the Gisborne and Wairoa districts are also being stretched by another fire near Tolaga Bay.
Firefighters from eight stations around Gisborne and Hawkes Bay were battling the fire.
Power has been shut off to the Māhia settlement as two helicopters fly in to work on containing the fire.
FENZ said crews were focused on protecting seven houses in the way of the blaze, and have managed to keep all buildings safe.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
