Arson suspected in Mt Victoria bush fire

Arson is suspected to be the cause of a large bush fire on Mt Victoria overnight.

About 3 hectares of bush burned in the fierce blaze, fanned by strong winds, along Alexandra Road in Hataitai, threatening Wellington East Girls High School and Government House.

Rural Fire Service principal officer Jock Darragh said today it was the third fire in the vicinity since Guy Fawkes on November 5 and the fires were "suspicious".

Fire investigators will be on the scene today as firefighters continue to dampen down hot spots.

About 100 firefighters, 12 fire vehicles and seven rural fire units along with helicopters fought the blaze in gusty conditions.

"It was a treacherous fire, nasty for firefighter s in windy conditions," Mr Darragh said.

"Conditions are pretty dry for this time of year."

A helicopter equipped with an infra-red camera will fly over the site this morning to identify any hot spots.

Fire crews will stay on the scene all weekend as a precaution.

- NZPA